Anodizing is a simple electrochemical process that involves forming a protective layer of oxide on the aluminium surface. This oxide protects the aluminium from any wear and tear and makes it long-lasting. Hardcoat anodizing is a type of anodizing that forms a dense, hard and relatively thick coating. It is useful in applications where a hard surface is a need. Here, the layer needs high voltage and a relatively cool temperature. It does not have color in it, but various black and grey shades are available by altering the temperature. It has a commercial use in industries of cookware, marine, aerospace, food processing and in other industries.
Factors impacting anodizing
By far, you know that anodizing is a process of making materials durable and decorative. Further, anodizing involves risk management as the process sometimes includes varied stages of complications. Before proceeding on, you need to know that there are factors that affect anodizing. Surface preparation is one such factor as the surface needs consideration during coating. Good anodizing depends on a good surface. Chemistry is another factor and it is to keep in mind that, both the bath has good control on the chemical equation. A slight change in any chemical may lead to a failure. Therefore, chemical management is also important.
Cost of anodizing
In a wide range of uses, anodizing is less expensive than painting, except for coil painting and it is always better for aluminium where the coating is subject to physical impacts and abrasive cleaners. In many cases, if you know the method and composition, you can perform anodizing at home. Apart from that, when the cost comes forth, three variables come into the scenario. The process of anodizing, the number of components getting anodized and the dimension of the components may change the cost. Therefore, the cost varies, depending on three of these dimensions.
