ABOUT ANODIZING
What is Anodizing?
It is an electrochemical process that turns the metal surface into a durable, decorative, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. Aluminium is fine suited to anodizing, although other nonferrous metals, such as titanium and magnesium, also can be anodized.
The anodic oxide structure arises from the aluminium substrate and is formed completely of aluminum oxide. This aluminium oxide isn’t applied to the surface like plating or paint but is exactly integrated with the underlying aluminium substrate, so it can’t chip or peel. It has an extremely ordered, porous structure that allows for secondary processes like coloring and sealing.
Anodizing is accomplished by sinking the aluminium into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current thru the medium. A cathode is installed into the anodizing tank; the aluminium behaves as an anode so that oxygen ions are released from the electrolyte to combine with the aluminium atoms on the surface of the piece being anodized.
Anodizing is, therefore, a matter of highly controlled oxidation, in other words, the enhancement of a naturally occurring phenomenon.
Anodized finishes have made aluminium one of the most respected and widely used materials nowadays in the manufacturing of thousands of consumer, commercial and industrial products…
Anodized Aluminium;
- Protects satellites from the rigid space environment.
- Provides appealing, min. maintenance, on large scale durable exteriors, curtain walls, roofs ceilings, floors, lobbies, escalators, and staircases in skyscrapers and commercial buildings throughout the planet.
- Made revolution on the construction of computer hardware, exhibit displays for commerce shows, scientific instruments, and a constantly growing array of home appliances, consumer products, and structure materials.
- Considered environmentally safe, producing poor, if any, noxious effects on land, water or air.
Anodizing‘s Advantages
In the metals industry, the unique anodized finish is the only one that satisfies each of the factors that should be considered when selecting a high-performance aluminium finish:
Durability: Most of the anodized products have a highly long life span and offer important economic benefits through maintenance and operating savings. Anodizing is a reacted finish that is combined with the underlying aluminium for total bonding and unmatched adhesion.
Cost:
A lower first finishing cost combines with lower maintenance costs for larger long-term value.
The simplicity of Maintenance:
Scars and wear from fabrication, installation, handling, frequent surface dirt cleaning, and usage are virtually non-existent. Rinsing or mild soap and water cleaning generally will restore an anodized surface to its original view. Difficult deposits for more, mild abrasive cleaners used be can.
Aesthetics:
Anodizing provides a large growing number of gloss and colour alternatives and minimizes or eliminates colour variations. Different from other finishes, anodizing lets the aluminium to maintain its metallic outlook.
Colour Stability:
Outer anodic coatings provide very good stability to ultraviolet rays, don’t chip or peel and are easily repeatable.
Health and Safety:
Anodizing is a reliable process that isn’t harmful to human health. An anodized finish is chemically stable, won’t decompose; is not toxic, and is heat-resistant to the melting point of aluminum (1.221 degrees F. ).
Because of the anodizing process is a reinforcement of an inherently happening oxide process, it is not hazardous and makes no harmful or dangerous by-products.
