Anodizing is a unique electrolytic passivation procedure intended to enhance the thickness of innate oxide layer of substrates of metal parts. The process increases chemical properties like resistance to possible oxidation, corrosion, and wear as bettering the amount of adhesion ability of a metal exterior than what it has. While anodizing works on various base materials, however, aluminum responds most brilliant, effective, and economical to anodizing.

Because aluminum oxide is not virtually conductive as aluminum, it is often preferred for insulation purpose in electronics and electrical. Over and above, anodic films offer cosmetic excellence and with thick porous coatings that can attract dyes used in artwork and decorative purposes. The article highlights on six points with a view to letting readers have an overall idea about anodizing.

The Process of Anodizing

The electrochemical process of anodizing involves submerging aluminum alloy into a tank containing electrolytic solution following needed pretreatment. Once submerged, an electrical charge is passed through the object to be anodized as the anode and aluminum as the cathode. The charge oxidizes the aluminum leaving a thick oxide film on the target object of the metal part.

Types of Anodizing

The three types of anodizing are equally demanding in the industries depending on their applications since each offers distinct advantages and chemical properties over its counterparts.

Type I: The basic anodizing type that uses chromic acid in solution to produce an extremely thin, malleable, non-conductive aluminum layer on the substrate;

Type II: In place of chromic acid, Type II anodizing uses sulfuric acid and produces a thicker anodized layer on an object making it accommodating for coloration;

Hardcoat (Type III): Popularly known as hard anodizing, Type III also needs sulfuric acid in solution and provides the thickest layer suitable for coloration.

Color Adding Procedure

If you wonder why an anodized color is so hardwearing that never peels or scratched off, then note that the steady etched empty pores of the coat make it possible to introduce pigments or tints. Not only pigments fill the pores but once completed, it gets permanently sealed off making its alike a natural surface of the object.

Why Does Aluminum Need Anti-oxide Layer?

Pure aluminum owns its natural oxide layer which does not corrode easily, however, by and large, types of aluminum used in industrial applications are an aluminum alloy. Moreover, elements used for alloying are subject to corrosion unless it is treated with a thick aluminum oxide layer. In fact, to defend aluminum products from oxidation, corrosion, and abrasion of aluminum alloy metals, anodizing has been established as most well-balanced and economical means.

How Solid Is Anodizing?

Aluminum is fairly a soft metal as compared to steel or titanium while aluminum oxide displays extremely hard. As anodizing process produces an aluminum oxide layer on the substrate of aluminum alloy, it increases its wear resistive ability to a great extent. Which is why anodized aluminum has increasing demand in all industrial applications from aerospace to off-shore, engineering to construction and decorative to home appliances.

Is Anodizing Safe?

Opposed to various electroplating procedures, the technological approach of anodizing has been established safe and eco-friendly, Anodizing accelerates natural oxidation process to add its oxidized layer on a substrate while it doesn’t emit any kind of harmful gas or toxic byproducts that can damage human health or environment.