Anodizing’s Benefits
The unique anodized finish is the only one in the metals industry that satisfies each of the factors that must be considered when selecting a high performance aluminum finish:
Anodizing Benefits:
Durability – Anodizing improves durability and increase life span significantly thus giving economic advantage. It will not flake, chip, or peel over time
Finishing: The process creates a more aesthetically pleasing finish, with either a clear or colorized appearance. Anodizing allows the aluminum to maintain its metallic appearance.
Ease of Maintenance. Scars and wear from fabrication, handling, installation, frequent surface dirt cleaning and usage are virtually non-existent. Rinsing or mild soap and water cleaning usually will restore an anodized surface to its original appearance. Mild abrasive cleaners can be used for more difficult deposits.
Aesthetics. Anodizing offers a large increasing number of gloss and color alternatives and minimizes or eliminates color variations. Unlike other finishes, anodizing allows the aluminum to maintain its metallic appearance.
Cost. A lower initial finishing cost combined with lower maintenance costs for greater long-term value.
Health and Safety. Anodizing is a safe process that is not harmful to human health. An anodized finish is chemically stable, will not decompose; is non-toxic; and is heat-resistant to the melting point of aluminum (1,221 degrees F.)
Since the anodizing process is a reinforcement of a naturally occurring oxide process, it is non-hazardous and produces no harmful or dangerous by-products.
Specifications: Our Anodic coatings meet current standards and specifications:
MIL-PRF-8625F Standard (Superseding MIL-A-8625F)
ASTM B 680
ASTM B 136
ASTM B 137
ASTM B 234
ROHS Compliant
Differences Between Type II, Type III, and Type IIB Anodizing
Type II Anodizing
Process:
Type II anodizing, also known as sulfuric acid anodizing, involves immersing the aluminum in a sulfuric acid electrolyte and applying an electrical current. This process creates an anodic oxide layer on the aluminum surface.
Thickness:
The anodic layer produced by Type II anodizing is typically between 2.5 to 25 microns thick.
Properties:
The oxide layer is relatively thin and porous, making it suitable for dyeing to achieve a variety of colors.
It provides moderate wear and corrosion resistance.
Applications:
Decorative: Frequently used for aesthetic purposes due to its ability to take on vibrant colors.
Architectural: Used for building facades, window frames, and other architectural elements.
Consumer Goods: Common in products like electronics enclosures, sports equipment, and household items.
Type III Anodizing
Process:
Type III anodizing, also known as hard anodizing or hard coat anodizing, is performed similarly to Type II but with lower temperatures, and higher electrical currents. This results in a denser and thicker oxide layer.
Thickness:
The anodic layer produced by Type III anodizing ranges from 25 to 125 microns thick.
Properties:
The resulting oxide layer is much thicker, harder, and more wear-resistant compared to Type II.
It has excellent corrosion resistance and can withstand more extreme environments.
The layer is typically more uniform and less porous, making it less suitable for dyeing.
Applications:
Industrial: Used in machinery, automotive parts, and hydraulic systems where high wear resistance is essential.
Aerospace: Applied to aircraft components that require strong wear and corrosion resistance, such as landing gear and hydraulic systems.
Military: Utilized in military equipment and firearms for durability and reliability in harsh conditions.
Type IIB Anodizing
Process:
Type IIB anodizing with hot water seal, also known as thin-film sulfuric acid anodizing, is a process that creates a thinner oxide layer compared to Type II and Type III. It is considered a replacement for chromic acid anodizing (Type I) for environmental reasons.
Thickness:
The anodic layer produced by Type IIB anodizing is typically between 1 to 10 microns thick.
Properties:
Provides moderate corrosion resistance and is often used when a thinner coating is required.
The thin film is less durable than Type II and Type III but still offers sufficient protection for certain applications.
Maintains good adhesion properties for subsequent paint or coatings.
Applications:
Aerospace: Often used in aerospace applications where minimal thickness is necessary, such as in lightweight structures and components.
Electronics: Suitable for electronic components where a thin, conductive layer is needed.
General Industrial: Used in various industrial applications where a thin, protective coating is sufficient.
Summary of Differences and Uses
Thickness:
Type IIB: 1 to 10 microns
Type II: 2.5 to 25 microns
Type III: 25 to 125 microns
Hardness and Durability:
Type IIB: Moderate
Type II: Moderate
Type III: High
Colourability:
Type IIB: Can be dyed, but less common
Type II: Easily dyed for decorative purposes
Type III: Less suitable for dyeing due to density
Typical Uses:
Type IIB: Aerospace lightweight structures, electronics, general industrial applications
Type II: Decorative and moderate protection in consumer goods, architectural elements, electronics
Type III: High durability applications in industrial machinery, aerospace parts, military equipment
These distinctions ensure that each type of anodizing can be selected based on the specific performance requirements and application needs, providing tailored solutions across various industries.
COMMON APPLICATIONS THAT ARE ANODIZED
Aerospace: wear resistance, dry lubrication, longevity & electrical insulation
Firearms: corrosion and wear resistance
Machinery: abrasion resistance for high-speed machine parts
Electronics: uniform emissivity & a high dielectric
Oil & Gas: corrosion protection & wear resistance.
Cookware: corrosion protection & non-stick properties
Molds & Dies: improved release properties & abrasion resistance
Sporting Goods: improved durability & performance