Anodizing is an electrochemical treatment surface to the surface of aluminum. It is available in three different types. Type III introduces a thicker layer to the surface of the metal. The result normally is a grayish to black coating. However, finishers may introduce a colored dye if the customer requests it. This type of anodizing is hard coat anodizing.
Method
Finishing companies and metal fabricators cover the surface of the aluminum with a metal coating. The three main components of this electrochemical process are:
1. Sulfuric acid
2. Low bath temperatures
3. High voltage
The result is a highly regulated or controlled substrate surface coating of very great hardness. This oxide film reaches a hardness level of 60-70 Rockwell C. How thick the level of oxide film will be relates directly to the length of time the technicians leave the substrate metal submerged in the bath.
Advantages of Hard Coat Anodizing
Companies select this method over others for two simple reasons:
1. It produces a very functional coating
2. The results are attractive
However, the advantages of such coatings are more than attractiveness and base functionality. This form of anodizing provides the metal with
* Improved resistance to marine and atmospheric corrosion
* Abrasion resistance
* Wear resiliency
* Compatibility with diverse adhesives
* Outstanding lubricity
* Non-conductive insulating properties
* Electrically resistance
* A neutral barricade between two different metals, therefore, preventing galvanic corrosion
* UV light spectrum resistance
These qualities are attractive to many manufacturing concerns utilizing aluminum as a major component of their products. Both the military and the FDA provide specifications to ensure the anodizing of aluminum meets their rigorous requirements.
Hard Coat Anodizing
Aluminum is a popular metal. Many companies, including the food and aerospace industries, find it useful. In order to make the metal more durable, it may undergo several processes. Hard coat anodizing is one popular technique designed to improve aluminum components’ capabilities to function optimally and longer in a demanding environment.
