Anodizing

Anodizing is one of the most common surface treatments of aluminum. In all anodizing processes, the basic reaction is conversion of the aluminum surface to aluminum oxide. The aluminum part, when made anodic in an electrolytic cell, causes the oxide layer to become thicker, leading to better corrosion and wear resistance. For decorative purposes, the oxide layer formed on the surface can be dyed.

In aluminum anodizing processes, the basic reaction is a conversion of the aluminum surface to aluminum oxide, including Type I—Chromic acid anodizing, Type II—Sulfuric acid anodizing, Type III—Hard coat anodizing.

Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO): A High-Performance Coating for Light Metal Alloys
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Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO): A High-Performance Coating for Light Metal Alloys

Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) offers an innovative approach to high-performance coatings for light metal alloys, providing superior alternatives to traditional hard anodizing. The process transforms the surface of metals like Al, Mg and Ti into a robust oxide layer with customizable properties, tailored for demanding applications in aerospace, semiconductor, and industrial manufacturing.  

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Anodizing

Understanding PEO Coatings

Using high-speed cameras and back side illumination (BSI) sensor technology to analyze plasma electrolytic oxidation. 

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Anodizing

Understanding and Managing White Spots on Anodized Aluminum

Having trouble with spotting defects when anodizing? Taj Patel of Techevon LLC offers a helpful overview of the various causes of white spots and potential solutions.

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Anodizing for Bonding Applications in Aerospace

Anodizing for pre-prep bonding bridges the gap between metallic and composite worlds, as it provides a superior surface in many applications on aluminum components for bonding to these composites. 

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Zinc Electroplating

Choosing the best process for your operation.

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Anodizing

Preventing Anodizing Cathodes from Turning Red

While the red color may not be desirable, anodizing expert Drew Nosti says it poses no particular problem to a successful anodizing process.

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Anodizing

Deoxidizing Aluminum as a Pretreatment

This important first step can help prepare the metal for subsequent surface finishing.

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Anodizing

Fischer Measurement and Material Analysis Systems

Fischer Technology offers benchtop, handheld and inline automated coating thickness measurement and material analysis solutions.

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Anodizing

Finisher’s ‘Top Shop’ Status Attracts Business

This competitive California finisher made it a goal to become a PF Top Shop. After earning the recognition, the company experienced an immediate increase in business and a challenge to obtain certifications. 

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Products Finishing Reveals 2024 Qualifying Top Shops

PF reveals the qualifying shops in its annual Top Shops Benchmarking Survey — a program designed to offer shops insights into their overall performance in the industry. 

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Veteran-Owned Metal Finishing Company Recognized

Andrew Kossowski recognized as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2024 State of Florida Veteran Business Owner of the Year.

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Water Purification System Offers Discharge and Recycling

SerPure Filtration System can help reuse significant amounts of water back into the plant at a cost-effective price point.

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Plating, Anodizing Equipment for Variety of Applications

Titan Metal Fabricators Titan Metal Fabricators, Rightech Fabrications and Optimum Anode Technologies are leading suppliers of equipment for the plating and anodizing industries.

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Top Shop Aces Outstanding Customer Service

More than a finishing shop, this anodizing, powder coating and vacuum resin impregnating business goes above and beyond for its customers by being a resource for whatever their finishing needs might demand.  

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10 Anodizing Best Practices

Following this list of guidelines can help to increase the performance, cost effectiveness and quality for your anodizing operation. 

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NADCAP Shop Digitizes to Eliminate Paper Trail

Customizable ERP software has transformed a 27-year-old manual metal finishing job shop into a state-of-the-art paperless company with full digital traceability in about 10 months.

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A Smooth Transition from One Anodizing Process to Another

Knowing when to switch from chromic acid anodizing to thin film sulfuric acid anodizing is important. Learn about why the change should be considered and the challenges in doing so.

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As the finishing industry begins to move away from the use of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium, what factors should finishers consider as they make new investments? Mark Schario, chief technology officer for Columbia Chemical offers a helpful overview of this complicated topic.

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FAQ: Anodizing

What is anodizing?

Anodizing refers to a broad range of surface treatments commonly applied to various grades of aluminum and titanium to provide cosmetic and functional benefits.

https://www.pfonline.com/articles/understanding-the-hidden-costs-and-benefits-of-anodizing

What is a cold seal?

A cold seal, also known as a room-temperature seal, is a sealing bath that contains nickel and fluoride and is used at ambient temperatures. Best results are obtained with temperature regulation, which ensures a more consistent rate of sealing reaction. Recommended sealing temperatures for Clariant cold seal products are between 80° and 90°F (27° to 32°C).

https://www.pfonline.com/articles/is-a-cold-seal-right-for-your-anodizing-operation

What is the best anodizing seal process for my operation?

Sealing of anodized aluminum is considered the most important of the various steps in the anodizing process. How you seal determines the performance of the anodic oxide in its end-use environment. After the anodic oxide layer is formed, there are a number of sealing options that exist, including unsealing, high temperature, mid-temperature, and room-temperature or cold sealing.

https://www.pfonline.com/articles/selecting-the-best-anodizing-seal-process-

How do I evaluate anodized aluminum?

  1. Film thickness measurement
  2. Curvature
  3. Edge Effect
  4. Base metal thickness
  5. Surface roughness
  6. Conductivity
  7. Quality of Seal

https://www.pfonline.com/articles/test-methods-for-evaluating-anodized-aluminum

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