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What is anodizing?

  • Aluminum has an oxide layer that is resistant to corrosion and wear. Pure aluminum is therefore resistant to corrosion. However, aluminum containing other alloying elements may be corroded unless a thick layer of alumina can be made to protect it. To prevent corrosion and wear of aluminum alloys, a technique was developed to make this thick layer of protective aluminum oxide. One way to form this oxide layer is through a process called it.
  • Anodic oxidation, electrochemical oxidation of a metal or alloy. Aluminum and its alloys in the corresponding electrolyte and specific process conditions, due to the action of applied current, on aluminum products (anode) to form a layer of oxide film. if not specified, usually refers to sulfuric acid .
  • In order to overcome the defects of aluminum alloy surface hardness, wear resistance and so on, expand the application scope, prolong the service life, surface treatment technology has become an indispensable part of the use of aluminum alloy, and anodic oxidation technology is the most widely used and the most successful.

What is anodizing?

Anodizing is a process used to promote the formation of an alumina layer on a substrate that is faster or thicker than normal under natural conditions. While anodizing does apply to several other substrates, aluminum reacts most effectively to anodizing. It first became popular in the 1920s as a means of preventing corrosion of aluminum components. Since then, it has been used not only for corrosion resistance, but also for wear resistance and staining aluminum. Because alumina is less conductive than aluminum, it can also be used for electrical insulation purposes. It has many benefits, but it is important to note that it does not increase the strength of the aluminum below the anodized surface.

How is anodizing done?

Anodic alumina is considered to be an electrochemical process. It involves taking aluminum alloy and dipping it into a tank containing an electrolyte. The solution contains acid; The type of acid depends on the application. Once submerged, an electric current passes through the aluminum. Anodized aluminum is used as an anode. The cathode is also placed in the tank; Usually aluminum or lead. The current causes the aluminum to oxidize. The anodizing process leaves behind a thicker layer of alumina than natural oxidation.

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What is the use of anodizing?

  • Anodizing is most commonly used to improve the corrosion resistance of certain types of aluminum alloys. Aluminium alloys affected by the Marine environment often benefit from anodizing. Hulls, dock parts, and oil rig structures are common examples of these.
  • Anodizing is also used for wear control. Unoxidized aluminum is a relatively soft material compared to steel or titanium. Alumina, on the other hand, is an extremely hard material. In fact, alumina is often used in sandpaper because of its high hardness. When the anodize process forms alumina layer on the outside of aluminum alloy, because alumina is a hard material, its wear resistance is greatly improved. Anodizing for wear resistant applications includes aluminum parts subjected to constant motion and in contact with other materials.
  • Dyeing is another popular application of anodized alumina. The aluminum oxide layer formed on aluminum alloy during anodizing is porous. This allows some of the dye to be absorbed by the oxide layer. Aluminum alloys that were previously unstainable can now be made in a variety of colors. Anodized aluminum staining applications include artwork and aluminum signage.
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Which metals can be anodized?

Aluminum is the most common anodized material. However, there are several other types of materials that can be anodized. Magnesium can be anodized, but its applications are very limited. Titanium may be the second most common  material, but it’s still far less popular than aluminum. Some materials should not be anodized at all. If carbon steel is anodized, it will only corrode.

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