Aluminium is the most commonly occurring metal in the Earth’s crust. In comparison to other metals, aluminium has not been known for long – it was first produced with a chemical reaction in 1808.
Right from the start, aluminium has been used as a high-tech material, when light weight and high durability are required. Space travel as well as aircraft and carmaking are inconceivable without it and it was responsible for making some innovations possible in the first place.
Especially in the second half of the 20th century, aluminium started its triumphal advance into interior design and into design in general. Its technological mystique together with its silvery, glittering surface opened up new horizons in the use of metal in interior design. At FSB this started with the designs by Johannes Potentes in the 1950s.
Even today, the expertise we gained back then in aluminium processing forms the basis of all FSB handle ranges made from this wonderful material. The natural colour of aluminium is natural silver (FSB 0105). We recommend this colour to customers who appreciate the typical attributes of the material. This also includes the fact that aluminium is very pleasant to the touch, primarily because this lightweight metal is particularly good at adapting to the ambient temperature.
Most FSB product families are available in aluminium. We only use primary aluminium for our cast aluminium products, which is produced using renewable energy from water, wind and sun.
This reduces the carbon footprint to less than 4.0 kg CO/kg, which is less than a quarter of the global average. In addition, the material can be recycled again and again without loss.
We also do not leave aluminium waste generated during the manufacturing process unused. The so-called "sprues" from gravity casting are melted down again by us and thus returned to the production cycle.
Finishes
FSB 0105
Polished Aluminium Natural-Colour Anodised
Staining methods
After the mechanical machining, its surface is protected by anodizing. FSB uses a standard process for anodising. This process uses direct current and a sulphuric acid electrolyte. The oxide layer built up in this standard process is approx. 10 μm thick. The hardness of this layer is up to 350 kp/mm2 (Vickers), corresponding to 2,500 to 3,500 N/mm2. The silver-white oxide layer can be coloured to extend your design options.
FSB uses two types of colouration:
1. Colouring the surface and in the central region of the oxide layer by immersion colouring which is also known as the absorption process. During this, the initially silver-white anodised aluminium is chemically coloured in organic and anorganic dye solutions. The light fastness has a value of about 6 to 7.
2. Colouring at the base of the pores of the oxide layer. Here, metals are electrolytically deposited using alternating current into the previously created silver-white oxide layer. This is called a two-stage process. The light fastness values are from 7 to 8.
After colouring, the surface becomes more dense. This ensures that the colour’s resistance to corrosion, light and weather stays within the specified values. Basically, aluminium needs no special care as a material. This artificially created anodis ed layer protects the aluminium. Dirt spots can be removed with water and a soft cloth.
In daily use aluminium surfaces can be worn or scratched by harder materials. Damage is typically caused by rings worn on fingers. This “damage” to the aluminium surface may impair the aesthetic impression but has no effect on its function. Many users even like this patina resulting from use.
