Reasons to Choose Anodizing of Aluminum Parts
Jun 24, 2022
Aluminum offers excellent machinability, durability, low weight, and low cost for a variety of parts in a variety of industries.
Engineers frequently choose aluminum and aluminum alloys for CNC machining parts.
Aluminum as many other alloys requires additional protection. This metal may easily corrode or lose its properties under the influence of natural factors. Its wearability may also suffer as salt deposits may appear on its surface. In order to prevent such from happening it is recommended to apply a protective coating. Anodizing is the best match for aluminum parts. This type of surface treatment not only protects the part but also may add some other properties such as change the electrical conductivity, increase wear resistance or add decorative properties.
Anodizing surface may be matt or shiny, natural or colored and its main advantage is that its flawless appearance of the new product lasts way longer.
The protective oxide layer on the aluminum part is created electrolytically, by putting it into a electrolytic solution with a cathode. The solution is acidic and when a current passes through it, the cathode releases oxygen which then forms on the anode’s surface. This causes the metal part to oxidize. The size of the layer depends on the exact anodizing process that is used, as well as the intended end-use application of the aluminum part.
Engineers frequently choose aluminum and aluminum alloys for CNC machining parts.
Aluminum as many other alloys requires additional protection. This metal may easily corrode or lose its properties under the influence of natural factors. Its wearability may also suffer as salt deposits may appear on its surface. In order to prevent such from happening it is recommended to apply a protective coating. Anodizing is the best match for aluminum parts. This type of surface treatment not only protects the part but also may add some other properties such as change the electrical conductivity, increase wear resistance or add decorative properties.
Anodizing surface may be matt or shiny, natural or colored and its main advantage is that its flawless appearance of the new product lasts way longer.
The protective oxide layer on the aluminum part is created electrolytically, by putting it into a electrolytic solution with a cathode. The solution is acidic and when a current passes through it, the cathode releases oxygen which then forms on the anode’s surface. This causes the metal part to oxidize. The size of the layer depends on the exact anodizing process that is used, as well as the intended end-use application of the aluminum part.
