Computer controlled flexible manufacturing of aluminum articles

A system and method for computer controlled flexible manufacturing of aluminum articles having patterns thereon is disclosed. The pattern is digitized or otherwise reduced to computer-readable format and then printed onto an aluminum article under computer control. The pattern is preferably printed using an ink jet, dot matrix color printer which has been modified to feed the aluminum substrate in an essentially flat manner. The pattern can be sealed within the anodized coating of the aluminum article for permanence.