What Is Anodising?
You have probably heard of anodising but may or may not be aware of the finer details. So what exactly is it, what are the different types, what are the benefits and drawbacks, and what are its applications?
What Is Anodising?
Anodising is a type of process that is able to improve/alter the surface of metals such as titanium, aluminium, magnesium, zinc and niobium. It is an electrochemical process which is able to alter the surface at a molecular level.
What Are the Different Types of Anodising?
There are three commonly used types: sulphuric acid anodising, hard anodising and chromic acid anodising.
Sulphuric acid anodising is perhaps the most widely used method and has a number of benefits. It is able to enhance corrosion resistance and improve aesthetic appeal and is popular because of the uniformity of the coating it can provide. This method is used on components in many industries, including automotive, electronics and aerospace.
Hard anodising also uses sulphuric acid, but the process involves lower temperatures and higher voltages. This helps to make surfaces harder, more durable and corrosion-resistant and more resistant to wear and scratches. This is used to enhance components and parts that are used in industries such as oil and gas, aeronautics, automotive and medical/dental.
Using chromic acid for anodising also offers corrosion resistance, electrical insulation and improved adhesion. However, the coating is generally thinner than with the other two methods, which has both advantages and disadvantages.
Surface Treatments Experts
If you feel that you would like to know more, specialists such as www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/anodising/hard-anodising/ offer a variety of options, including hard anodising.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Anodising?
Anodising as a surface treatment offers a number of advantages, including corrosion resistance, UV resistance, electrical insulation, wear resistance, improved adhesion and enhanced aesthetic appeal.
The main drawbacks of anodising are that it can be more expensive initially, some anodising tanks may have size limitations, there are some compatibility limitations, damage is not repairable, it is hard to maintain precise tolerance, and achieving a consistent colour across batches can prove tricky.
