Products made of anodized aluminum are probably already part of your routine life. Anodizing is a straightforward process that provides aluminum with protection against corrosion and a dose of color. This finish is used on a wide variety of products, including sporting goods, automotive parts, handheld electronic devices, and a lot more besides.

This article is for you if you are interested in learning more about the anodizing process and the benefits it offers, or if you are curious about whether or not anodizing is the best way to finish the aluminum products you manufacture.

In this section, we will respond to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding anodizing aluminum in order to assist you in determining whether or not this process is the best option for your products.

What exactly is meant by "anodized aluminum"?

When metals are subjected to certain environments, such as air and humidity, an oxide layer of metal forms on the surface that is exposed to these elements. The majority of the time, the oxide layer will be passive, which indicates that it will no longer react with its surroundings in the same way that the pure metal does. One illustration of this phenomenon is the rust that can develop on iron if die casting China is not adequately protected.

When it comes into contact with air or moisture, aluminum, just like iron and other metals, will spontaneously produce a layer of oxide. In contrast to iron, the layer of oxide that forms on aluminum is neither flaky nor excessively porous; rather, it acts as a shield that stops any further oxidation of the aluminum from occurring.

In other words, aluminum creates its own thin barrier against corrosion by slightly corroding itself, and this acts as a natural defense mechanism against further corrosion. This process is analogous to how human skin darkens as a form of self-protection against further damage caused by sun rays or other forms of ultraviolet light.

Anodizing aluminum puts it through a process that increases the thickness of the oxide layer that already exists on its surface as a natural protective barrier. Anodizing has the effect of enhancing the properties that are provided by the oxide layer, and each of these properties will be discussed individually in the sections that follow.

What Steps Are Involved in the Anodizing Process?

In spite of common belief, technicians are not required to apply a substance to the surface of the aluminum in order for the anodizing process to take place. This process takes advantage of a reaction that occurs naturally on aluminum when it comes into contact with certain elements and kicks it up a notch, as was explained in the previous section.

Following the completion of a forming operation on the aluminum, such as extrusion for example, the resulting aluminum component is immersed in an electrolytic bath. An electrical current with a high amperage but a low voltage is run through the bath while it is submerged in the liquid. As the current moves through the aluminum, the oxidation chemical reaction takes place, producing an oxide layer that is significantly thicker than the one that would have formed naturally.

Does the Process of Anodizing Increase Wear Resistance?

Anodizing does, in fact, make the wear resistance better. In comparison to the aluminum by itself, the oxide layer that forms on the surface of the aluminum possesses ceramic properties. One of these properties is an increased resistance to wear. aluminum die castings that has been anodized is more resistant to nicks and scratches than aluminum that has not been treated, resulting in a finish that is more long-lasting.

Is There a Connection Between Anodizing and an Increase in Corrosion Resistance?

Yes, it does. The thick layer of oxide that is obtained through the anodizing process, just like the naturally occurring oxide passive film, is able to improve the corrosion resistance of the material. The passive film is chemically inert and does not deteriorate or corrode when exposed to the environment in any significant way.

Because of this, the anodized layer shields the underlying aluminum from the damaging effects of corrosion. die casting services that has been anodized has a passive layer that is significantly thicker than naturally passivated aluminum; as a result, it is more resistant to degradation and the corrosion that follows.