ARDOISE™ 13 – a pinnacle of passion and dedication crafted specifically for enthusiasts and collectors globally. Our range is not just a collection; it's a testament to the relentless commitment we pour into producing excellence.
Each ARDOISE™ 13 plaque is meticulously crafted from the finest 3mm black anodised sheet of brushed aluminium using cutting-edge equipment and techniques. This process ensures an unparalleled surface finish, setting the stage for precision laser etching that brings our clients' visions to life.
In our pursuit of perfection, we've cultivated strong ties with renowned automotive manufacturers, including Aston Martin, McLaren Automotive, Pagani, Lotus, to name a few.
Private clients and luxury brands also entrust us with their visions, whether it's intricate vehicle blueprints, architectural schematics, or detailed views of a luxury timepiece.
A piece that will last a lifetime
Why 13? Each element in existence is made up of atoms, each containing protons, electrons, and neutrons. Aluminium has an atomic number of 13, meaning there are 13 protons, 13 electrons and 14 neutrons. Aluminium is a stable element with a high level of strength and versatility. These properties are amplified when you anodise aluminium.
Anodising is a controlled electrochemical process that involves applying an electric current to an electrolyte solution, which adds a protective oxide layer onto the aluminum surface. This oxide layer fortifies the metal, providing remarkable longevity. The resultant oxide layer acts as a formidable barrier, shielding the material from corrosion and environmental degradation. This preservation mechanism, quantified through accelerated ageing tests, ensures ARDOISE™ 13's longevity, surpassing that of untreated aluminum.
In normal environmental conditions, the aerospace-grade anodised aluminium used in ARDOISE™ 13 is engineered to endure for decades without visible wear or structural compromise. Rigorous testing and accelerated ageing simulations suggest a potential lifespan exceeding 1,000 years — particularly if entombed in a geological event of apocalyptic scale. However, under realistic display or collector conditions, these plaques are expected to retain their form and finish for well over 100 years, making them a lasting legacy piece — crafted not just for this generation but for the next.
The anodising process also hardens the aluminum, rendering ARDOISE™ 13 plaques resistant to most scratches and abrasions. This augmentation of surface hardness, measured through standardised tests like the Mohs scale, contributes to the product's robustness, ensuring quality that will outlast most other metals and making it almost as hard as hardened steel at a value of almost 600HV.
Beyond durability and hardness, anodised aluminum also exhibits quantifiable resistance properties. Endowed with an anodized surface, it becomes inherently resistant to chemical corrosion and wear. Corrosion rate assessments affirm its reliability across diverse environmental conditions.
