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The Type II and Type III anodization processes are the main services. These techniques confer optimal and various surface finishes tailored for aluminum components. Anodization serves to fortify the structural integrity of aluminum parts and is offered in a diverse colors.
The sulfuric acid process is the most common method for anodizing. The sulfuric acid anodize process films range from .0001"-.001" thick. The overall thickness of the coating formed is 67 percent penetration in the substrate and 33 percent growth over the original dimension of the part. It is particularly suited for applications where hardness and resistance to abrasion is required.
The porous aluminum oxide absorbs dyes well, and subsequent sealing helps to prevent color loss in service. Although dyed anodized films are reasonably colorfast, they have a tendency to bleach under prolonged direct sunlight.
Some of the colors are: Black, Red, Blue, Green, Urban Grey, Coyote Brown, and Gold. Parts can be treated chemically or mechanically prior to anodizing to achieve a matte (non-reflective) finish.
Hardcoat anodize, while usually done in a sulfuric acid based electrolyte, is much thicker and denser than the more conventional sulfuric anodize. Hardcoat is specified for aluminum components subject to extreme wear applications where superior abrasion resistance is needed, or corrosive environments where a thicker, harder, more durable coating is necessary.
It can also be valuable where enhanced electrical insulation is required. Since hardcoat anodize can be built up to several thousandths in some cases, it makes this type of anodize a candidate for salvaging worn or mis-machined components.
Similar to: RAL 9004, Pantone Black 6
Similar to: depends on material
Similar to: RAL 3031, Pantone 1805
Similar to: RAL 5015, Pantone 3015
Similar to: RAL 1037, Pantone 715
Similar to: RAL 1012, Pantone 612
Type | Impracticable situation | Features | Thickness(μm) | Application | Colors | PIC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chromic acid (Type |) | a.Aluminum alloy parts with copper content > 5% b.Aluminum alloy parts with copper and silicon content > 7.5% | maintains the accuracy and surface roughness of original parts ,well bonding preformance | 3μm | a.1. Lap, riveted, welded or complex shaped parts b. Parts with high precision and low roughness | black,other color is imparctical | ![]() |
Sulfuric acid (Type II ) | Lap, spot weld or riveted part | the most common type of anodizing,can dye with a greater variety of colors | 0.5~20μm | The part that need brighten appearance or special color, as decoration or identification mark. | Black, Red, Blue, Green, Coyote Brown, Urban Grey, and Gold,allow for practically any hue | ![]() |
Hard Anodize (Type 1I) | Parts with high fatigue performance requirements | superior abrasion performance and electrical insulation,HV>420 | 30~120um | valves/hinges/cams/gear/insulation plates | black,other colors are less ornamental | ![]() |
Organic acid (Type IC) | uneven and amorphous black regions develop. | Anodizing can produce yellowish integral colours without dyes if it is carried out in weak acids with high voltages, high current densities, and strong refrigeration. | upto50um | Integral colour anodizing | pale yellow, gold, deep bronze, brown, grey, and black | ![]() |
* Fixture Placement: During anodizing, components are suspended using a "jig" or "rack," which can result in marks where anodizing is not feasible. To prevent this, identify critical areas on your part where such marks are unacceptable.
* Electrical Insulation: Anodizing creates an insulating layer on your parts, impacting their conductivity. Factor in this change when designing components that require specific electrical properties.
* Masking Evaluation: Anodizing typically doesn't significantly alter the thickness of your part. So masking is usually unnecessary. However, if you wish to protect certain areas from anodization, clearly indicate these regions in your CAD file.
* Type III Anodizing: For Type III anodizing, which involves a thicker coating, consider masking or plugging threaded holes, reamed holes, and surfaces critical to your component's functionality. This precaution ensures that the added thickness doesn't interfere with the intended fit and function.
* Heat Dissipation: Anodizing affects thermal conductivity. Evaluate whether anodized surfaces might impact the component's heat dissipation properties.
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