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Anodising is an electrochemical process where metals are toughened by treating them to thicken the oxide layer on the surface. Here, the microscopic texture and crystal structure of the surface are modified to increase resistance to corrosion and wear when metals are exposed to marine, industrial and wet atmospheres. The anodized surface provides better adhesion for glues and paint primers as compared to bare metal. Thick paint coatings are routinely permeable, and a sealing process is necessary to enhance resistance to corrosion and wear.
This process is normally employed in the treating of aluminium. It penetrates the surface to extend the thickness of the oxide coating. This becomes extremely firm. The appearance of the metal is also improved.
When mixed with other special procedures and dyes, the metal ends up looking like copper, pewter, bronze or stainless-steel. This kind of anodising is made practical thru the use of assorted dyes to supply permanent coloration. Any colour can be employed, from clean to black to bright colours.
Before any metal is anodized, its surface must be cleaned and pre-treated. An alkaline is usually used to remove oil, grease and dust from the surface. Surface pre-treatment involves a two-stage process; etching and brightening where a mix of nitric and phosphoric acids is used to brighten the surface. The key procedure involves immersing the metal in an electrolyte wash and passing direct current thru it (the metal) until the proposed thickness level is attained.
There are several advantages of anodising. Metals that have undergone this process are typically harder than their powder-coated counterparts. Anodized metals can also resist abuse and UV exposure better. To achieve the same level of toughness, one would need to coat with a super-durable powder. When done inorganically, anodising also has better colour retention.
Some people also like anodized metals to their powder coated counterparts because they deem the previous to be more metallic. Though there are some powders which look like anodising, there's still a noticeable difference. Unlike traditional paint, an anodic coating bonds by chemically changing the outer surface of the metal. But it does not meddle with the matrix and as such does not peel.
The facility to keep colour and glue makes colour anodised metal ideal for car parts, decorative pieces and curtain rings. Such metals are less likely to break or peel. Anodized metals are not only better to clean, but they're also resistant to heat. Cooking utensils pieces are routinely made from aluminum that has undergone this process. The utensils spread heat better, last for longer and are immune to rust. They also don't react with acidic foods like citrus fruit, tomatoes and vinegar.
In a number of cases, there are mechanical aspects that need consideration before anodising can be done. The surface will be raised, since the oxide layer occupies more space than the bare metal. Usually, this is not of much result except when there are tiny, threaded screw holes. These have to be chased with a tap so the original dimensions are restored. For unthreaded holes, a little bigger size is used to allow for dimension change.
This process is normally employed in the treating of aluminium. It penetrates the surface to extend the thickness of the oxide coating. This becomes extremely firm. The appearance of the metal is also improved.
When mixed with other special procedures and dyes, the metal ends up looking like copper, pewter, bronze or stainless-steel. This kind of anodising is made practical thru the use of assorted dyes to supply permanent coloration. Any colour can be employed, from clean to black to bright colours.
Before any metal is anodized, its surface must be cleaned and pre-treated. An alkaline is usually used to remove oil, grease and dust from the surface. Surface pre-treatment involves a two-stage process; etching and brightening where a mix of nitric and phosphoric acids is used to brighten the surface. The key procedure involves immersing the metal in an electrolyte wash and passing direct current thru it (the metal) until the proposed thickness level is attained.
There are several advantages of anodising. Metals that have undergone this process are typically harder than their powder-coated counterparts. Anodized metals can also resist abuse and UV exposure better. To achieve the same level of toughness, one would need to coat with a super-durable powder. When done inorganically, anodising also has better colour retention.
Some people also like anodized metals to their powder coated counterparts because they deem the previous to be more metallic. Though there are some powders which look like anodising, there's still a noticeable difference. Unlike traditional paint, an anodic coating bonds by chemically changing the outer surface of the metal. But it does not meddle with the matrix and as such does not peel.
The facility to keep colour and glue makes colour anodised metal ideal for car parts, decorative pieces and curtain rings. Such metals are less likely to break or peel. Anodized metals are not only better to clean, but they're also resistant to heat. Cooking utensils pieces are routinely made from aluminum that has undergone this process. The utensils spread heat better, last for longer and are immune to rust. They also don't react with acidic foods like citrus fruit, tomatoes and vinegar.
In a number of cases, there are mechanical aspects that need consideration before anodising can be done. The surface will be raised, since the oxide layer occupies more space than the bare metal. Usually, this is not of much result except when there are tiny, threaded screw holes. These have to be chased with a tap so the original dimensions are restored. For unthreaded holes, a little bigger size is used to allow for dimension change.
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