| Anodizing is not like electroplating and other organic | | | | formed oxide will remain in contact with the anodizing |
| coatings, it is unique to aluminum. It has greatly | | | | solution all through the process cycle; the last formed |
| extended the applications of aluminum products and | | | | oxide is at the metal interface. The coating will be |
| uses after it was developed in early 1930's, where | | | | nearly 30-50 pct thicker than the original metal it |
| the metal or else not be utilized. The anodic finish is | | | | replaces. |
| now available from aluminum finishing job shops all | | | | Structure of most coatings is predominantly porous. |
| over the world and is quite inexpensive. | | | | There will be a very slight non-porous barrier film at |
| Anodizing will convert the surface of aluminum to an | | | | the interface. Process control starts with the quality |
| oxide. Though it would naturally form aluminum oxide | | | | of the metal, its precleaning and racking, and finally |
| on its surface, it will be a very thin film. It offers a | | | | ends with unracking, possible "clean-up" and final |
| thicker oxide coating several times thick if required. | | | | inspection. The job shop finisher or captive |
| The rigidity of this aluminum oxide coating challenges | | | | department generally has the least control over a |
| that of diamond. Due to this anodizing improves | | | | very important requirement for good anodizing that is |
| abrasion resistance. It can also appreciably modify | | | | the metal quality. Type of mill product, alloys, worth, |
| and improve the appearance of aluminum. By the | | | | temper and so on has significant effects on the |
| usage of dyes and special procedures, the finisher | | | | appearance, oxide coating property and functional |
| can make aluminum look like stainless steel, pewter, | | | | properties like abrasion and corrosion resistance of |
| copper, or brushed bronze. The process will improve | | | | the end product. |
| corrosion resistance, particularly when the metal | | | | The finisher must know about the metal that is to be |
| surface is in exposure to humid, industrial, and marine | | | | treated. Some process changes should be made, and |
| atmospheres. The electrical insulating property of the | | | | particular quality standards will be difficult to attain |
| anodic finish finds its application when dielectric | | | | other than the proper alloy is being anodized. These |
| properties are significant for electrical components. | | | | can be formed in a range of chemical solutions, |
| This type of aluminum is simple to clean and it resists | | | | though only a handful is in industrial use. The |
| heat to the high temperature where the metal itself | | | | advantage of anodizing aluminum is the potential of |
| melts. | | | | colored anodizing dye. These dye seeps into the |
| We can define anodizing as an electrochemical | | | | microscopic pores of the anodized layer and colors it. |
| conversion process, and not an applied coating. The | | | | This layer is then sealed and the color appears as |
| surface of the metal is converted to aluminum oxide | | | | part of the metal itself. This can be used for great |
| as a result of reactions going on at the anode in an | | | | artistic effect, making aluminum parts with strikingly |
| acidic solution. Oxide formation generally gets inward, | | | | tasteless colors to ornament your motor bike or, |
| towards the source of the fresh metal. The first | | | | more topically, telescope. |