the anodising process

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What is Anodising - THE ANODISING PROCESS

Anodising is the general name applied to methods of treating metals, where the work piece is made the anode in
an electrolytic cell, usually to form oxide coatings for the purpose of increasing the performance of the surface.
In the case of aluminium, the anodising process forms a layer of aluminium oxide - Al203 - or corundum, which is
very hard, relatively inert, electrically insulating and can absorb dyes to colour the film.
The anodic film itself grows at the aluminium / aluminium oxide interface by the continuous formation and dissolution
of a layer of oxide, this is the so-called barrier layer and its thickness is a function of the process starting voltage. A
porous, more structured layer forms on top of the barrier layer making up the rest of the coating.

EXAMPLE OF THE ANODISING PROCESS

The film thickness is usually determined by a known relationship between current per unit area and process time.
With most aluminium alloys as the anodic film grows its electrical resistance increases requiring the process
voltage to be increased. This is especially marked with alloys containing certain elements like silicon, for example.
The electrolyte is usually based on sulphuric acid but other acids are used i.e. chromic, phosphoric, boric or organic
acids like oxalic, to achieve different properties.
As all anodised coatings are derived from oxidation of the metal surface, the alloy composition and heat treatment
condition have a large effect upon the resultant coating. The anodic film has excellent adhesion to the substrate, as it
is an integral part of the structure, in contrast to, say, a painted or electroplated component. Anodised coatings
provide an enhancement in properties over the base material particularly in respect to wear, corrosion, temperature
resistance and electrical insulation. Generally speaking, the surface finish of the original work piece is reproduced,
with slight roughening; there is no effect. Any defects such as corrosion or polishing 'burns' will be emphasised rather
than hidden.
Anodising conveniently divides into 3 major areas:

Sulphuric Acid Anodising

Embraces anything from heavy duty black dyed coatings for high-tech instruments to cheap coloured ashtrays,
expected to last in a pub for a few weeks. It also includes architectural anodising primarily for protecting aluminium
window frames etc from the elements. The natural colour of these films is light grey; other colours are achieved by
dyeing the film.

Hard Anodising
Is a branch of sulphuric acid anodising where process conditions have been pushed in a certain direction to
achieve significantly harder, thicker, denser films. Applications involve resistance to wear, corrosion, temperature
effects etc.

Chromic Acid Anodising

Produces coatings of exceptional corrosion and chemical resistance for its film thickness in an electrolyte, which is
non-corrosive towards aluminium. These coatings are thin, and relatively soft and generally only used in specialised
applications.

General Considerations
Please see this page to get an overview on practical information relevant to all of the anodising processes
described above

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