Anodising

Highly Effective & Desirable

Anodising is an electrochemical conversion process in existence since the 1930s. Anodised aluminium is used in many applications due to its low cost, aesthetic qualities and ideal mechanical properties.

​Unlike most protective coatings, anodising permanently changes the outer structure of the metal. When aluminium is exposed to air, it naturally develops a thin aluminium oxide film that seals the aluminium from further oxidation.

​However, the anodising process makes the oxidised surface much thicker, up to several microns thick (as the case may be). The hardness of the anodised aluminium oxide rivals that of a diamond, enhancing the abrasion resistance of the aluminium. The added depth of the oxide layer improves the corrosion resistance of the aluminium, which makes cleaning of the surface much easier.

​Though most aluminium alloys will build aluminium oxide in an anodising tank, they tend to anodise differently. Some alloys are more difficult to anodise while others anodise to slightly different shades of colour. When anodised, various alloys provide different levels of workability (machining, grinding, polishing), environmental resistance properties, and dimensional stability. Anodising is a highly effective and desirable means of aluminium finishing. Some of the primary advantages of anodising include:

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Aluminium anodising has a dual function providing anti-corrosive resistance, high quality and aesthetics.

The metal surface layer is electrochemically converted to an oxide. This layer may have a thickness variable depending on the applications:

  • From 5 to 10 microns for indoor applications
  • From 15 to 20 microns for outdoor applications
  • From 20 to 25 microns for industrial and marine environments, where the weather is particularly aggressive

The thickness is not however the only factor able to influence the properties and performance of the anodised aluminium. Other factors are also:

  • Sulfuric acid concentration in the electrolyte
  • Temperature of the electrolyte
  • Applied voltage
  • Current density
  • Air-agitation effectiveness

The anodising process is carried out in compliance with the specifications set by the QUALANOD quality organization and the corresponding European standards.

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