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Anodizing

Introduction to Anodizing

Anodizing is a surface treatment process that uses electrochemistry to form a layer of Al2O3 (aluminum oxide) film on the surface of aluminum and aluminum alloy. Through anodic oxidation, the surface state and performance of the material can be changed, thus improving corrosion resistance, enhancing wear resistance and hardness, and protecting the metal surface.

Non-ferrous metals or their alloys (such as aluminum, magnesium and their alloys) can be anodized. This method is widely used in mechanical parts, aircraft and automobile parts, precision instruments and radio equipment, daily necessities and architectural decoration.

Types of Anodizing

	Type II Anodizing	Type III Anodizing
Materials	Aluminum	Aluminum
Color	Clear, black, blue, gold, grey, red, etc.	Clear, black
Texture	Smooth, matte finish.	Smooth, matte finish.
Thickness	1.8 μm to 25 μm (0.00007″)	> 0.001″
Applications	Consumer goods, aircraft components, architectural parts, kitchenware	Parts subject to high and low temperatures, chemical exposure, or wear

Surfaces Finishes Gallery

Design Considerations

Anodizing has insulative properties, so anodized parts have poor electrical conductivity.
All edges and corners on the workpiece should be rounded with a radius of no less than 0.5 mm, and no burrs are allowed. This prevents local overheating and burning of the workpiece caused by current concentration.
Workpieces with rough surfaces can become smoother after hard anodic oxidation treatment. However, workpieces already possessing an extremely smooth finish will lose some smoothness.
In the process of hard anodizing, the workpiece must bear high voltage and current. Special fixtures must, therefore, be designed to keep the workpiece in good conductive contact. It will otherwise break down or burn the contact parts of the workpiece.