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
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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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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Featured Posts
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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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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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
