Anodizing is an environmentally safe electrochemical process that converts aluminum metal surface into porous aluminum oxide (aka aluminum anodizing), thereby producing an end product that is more durable and more resistant to corrosion. This technological process plays an important role in various segments of the industry – from construction to automobile industry; from bio-medical to aerospace application – all of them use anodized materials for better products and work output.
What are the other advantages of anodizing?
- provides better adhesion for paint primers and glues than bare metal does
- prevents galling of threaded components and to make dielectric films for electorlytic capacitors
- Considered extremely abrasion resistant
- Salvage hardcoat to build up minor dimensionally undersized parts
Common applications for anodized finishes
- Structures and architectural categories of all types – many construction and architectural materials are anodized to provide the construction sector with building materials that are more ideal and of better quality.
- Appliances – anodizing is also applied in manufacturing various appliances; from external covering to internal components such as in circuits, down to the smallest parts such as capacitors.
- Food preparation equipment – anodized materials are also preferred when it comes to equipment for food processing and preparation such as anodized aluminum cookwares; biggest food chains and food manufacturing companies use such materials for various advantages – especially when it comes to sanitation, and long-lasting use.
- Furniture – anodized materials are also being used in manufacturing furniture both for office and home use including tables, drawers, and cabinet. Anodized aluminum is also ideal for outdoor furniture such as patio sets because it can stand against ruining brought by outside elements such as the weather conditions.
- Sporting goods and boats – anodizing is also recommended for sporting goods that are made from metals most especially those that are being used outdoor. Anodized metals are also ideal for boats and other stuff that are exposed to sea water – salt makes metal materials to rust more easily.
- Motor vehicle components – as mentioned earlier, one industry that is benefiting from anodizing technology is the automobile industry. Aside from car production, important bicycle and motorcycle components and spare parts are also anodized to become more durable and resistant to corrosion.
- Jewelry and artwork – aside from the industrial use, anodizing is also applied in the fashion world particularly in jewelries as it helps malleable items become more rigid. Anodizing has also become a trend in artwork application.
Industries Today 