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.
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Understanding PEO Coatings
Using high-speed cameras and back side illumination (BSI) sensor technology to analyze plasma electrolytic oxidation.
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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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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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Deoxidizing Aluminum as a Pretreatment
This important first step can help prepare the metal for subsequent surface finishing.
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Latest Anodizing News And Updates
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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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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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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Protolabs Expands CNC Capabilities, Accelerates Anodizing, Chrome Plating
Expanded CNC machining capabilities enable product developers and production buyers to obtain custom-plated parts in as fast as four days.
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Featured Posts
Trivalent Chrome Overview
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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Finishing Systems Provider Celebrates 150 Years, Looks to Future
From humble beginnings as an Indiana-based tin shop, Koch Finishing Systems has evolved into one of the most trusted finishing equipment providers in the industry.
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Understanding PEO Coatings
Using high-speed cameras and back side illumination (BSI) sensor technology to analyze plasma electrolytic oxidation.
Read More
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.
Read More
Bryan Leiker, MFACA, Discusses CARB Public Hearing Over Calif. Hex Chrome Ban
Bryan Leiker, executive director, Metal Finishing Association of California, offers a recap of a January 27, 2023, public hearing conducted by the California Air Resources Board prior to an impending ruling on a proposed ban of hexavalent chromium use for finishing operations in the state.
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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.
Read More
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?
- Film thickness measurement
- Curvature
- Edge Effect
- Base metal thickness
- Surface roughness
- Conductivity
- Quality of Seal
https://www.pfonline.com/articles/test-methods-for-evaluating-anodized-aluminum
Anodizing Supplier Categories
- Anodes, Cobalt, Nickel/Cobalt
- Anodes, Insoluble: Ceramic & Metal Oxide
- Anodizing Processes & Equipment, Aluminum Hardcoat
- Anodizing Processes, Aluminum
- Anodes, Nickel
- Anodes, Brass & Bronze
- Anodes, Platinum and/or Palladium-clad
- Anodes, Lead
- Anodes, Silver
- Anodes, Tin-Zinc
- Anodizing Rack Components
- Anodes, Copper
- Anodes, Zinc
- Anode Bags
- Anode Bars, Baskets, Hooks
- Anodes, Tin-Lead
- Anodes, Tin
- Anodes, Titanium
- Anodes, Carbon
- Anodizing Sealants
- Anodes, Cadmium
- Anodes, Magnesium
- Plating & Anodizing Equipment
- Anodes, Indium
- Anodes, Steel & Iron