What is Anodize?
Aluminum anodizing is an electrochemical process in which an oxide (anodic) layer is chemically built on the surface of the metal. This oxide layer acts as an insulator and provides surface corrosion protection along with an excellent substrate for decorative finishes. The anodic oxide structure originates from the aluminum substrate and is composed entirely of aluminum oxide. It has a highly ordered, porous structure that allows for secondary processes such as coloring and sealing.
Benefits of Anodize
- Very price competitive with painting and powder coating.
- Durable, hard, abrasion resistant & long lasting. Coating does not peel or chip.
- Excellent corrosion protection. Withstands salt-spray and other tests extremely well.
- Good electrical insulator. Combined with other coatings can be used for selective masking of low-voltage currents.
- Environmentally-friendly. Can be readily recycled. Inorganic chemicals used have minimal environmental impact.
Anodizing is a “conversion coating” & is very different than paint, electroplating & other metal coatings. Anodize coatings are measured by thickness – the term thickness includes both penetration & build-up. While paints and plating sit on top of the surface of the aluminum, anodizing converts the outer layer of aluminum to aluminum oxide, so the coating is fully integrated with the aluminum substrate. Hence; why anodize thickness is defined by the combination of the penetration into the substrate & the buildup of the oxide layer from the original dimension.
At Aotco, we specialize in Sulfuric Anodize & Hardcoat Anodize
Please visit our Sulfuric Anodize and Hardcoat pages for details about these processes