Aluminum anodizing services
We offer Type II and Type III anodizing, which are ideal options for aluminum components. Anodizing strengthens these parts and is available in a variety of colors depending on the type. All types of anodizing increase lead time and cost per part.
Anodizing type II
| Surface preparation | Glossiness | Cosmetic availability | Thickness | Visual appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As machined (Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin) | Glossy (Above 20 GU) | No | 50μm to 150μm | The parts are anodized directly after machining. |
| Bead blasted | Matte (Below 10 GU) | Cosmetic on request | For clear: 8 to 12μm black and color: 12 to 16μm | Grainy texture, matte finish |
| Brushing(Ra 1.2μm / Ra 47μin) | Glossy (Above 20 GU) | Cosmetic on request | For clear: 8 to 12μm black and color: 12 to 16μm | Parts are hand brushed to reduce marks and then anodized. |
Anodizing type III
| Surface preparation | Colors | Cosmetic availability | Thickness | Visual appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As machined (Ra 3.2μm / Ra 126μin) | Black, Natural | No | 35 to 50μm(0.0013” to 0.0019”) | The parts are anodized directly after machining. |
Example of an anodized parts
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Design considerations for aluminum anodizing
Aluminum anodizing is a process of electrolytically increasing the thickness of the natural oxide film on the surface of aluminum. This thicker oxide layer provides improved corrosion resistance and wear resistance, as well as a cosmetic appearance. There are many design considerations to take into account when anodizing aluminum, in order to achieve the desired results.
- The first step is to select the appropriate aluminum alloy for anodizing. The alloy must be one that can be anodized, meaning it must contain at least 98% aluminum. The most commonly used alloys for anodizing are 6061 and 7075. Other considerations include the strength, hardness, and conductivity of the alloy.
- The next step is to prepare the surface of the aluminum for anodizing. This usually involves cleaning it with a solvent or alkaline solution, followed by etching with an acid solution. It is important to remove any dirt, grease, or other contaminants from the surface, as they can cause defects in the anodized layer. Once the surface is prepared, it must be rinsed thoroughly and dried before proceeding to the next step.
- The third step is to actually anodize the aluminum. This is done by immersing it in an electrolyte solution and applying a DC voltage between the aluminum and a counter electrode.