What is aluminum anodizing?

The anodizing layer is proceeded with the direct current through an electrolytic solution, with an aluminum object serving as an anode. Aluminum anodizing is to build up the thickness of oxide layer on its surface to improve the capability of anti-corrosion and wear. After the anodizing process, the aluminum oxide layer is with improved adhesion of paint primers and glues on the bare metal.

The common method, Type II anodizing, applies an aluminum oxide layer that is generally 0.005 – 0.025 mm thick. In comparison to Type II anodizing, Type III anodize, as known as hard coating, can do 0.050 mm (+/-20%) thickness. Besides, the hard anodized items usually have bronze, gray or black finish. The color can vary depending on the purity of the aluminum substrate. Furthermore, hard anodizing will make the aluminum alloy more resistant to corrosion. The thicker an oxidized layer is, the more effectively it can protect the finished part from moisture, oxygen, and other factors.

The quality of aluminum anodize coating

As time goes by, the quality of anodized layer might get worse. Not only anodized parts stored in high salty and humidity environment affects the quality of anodized layer, but poor quality of anodize solutions used in coating process also poses a negative effect. As for good aluminum anodizing, the surface appearance should be glossy and silk like.

Black Anodizing on CNC Milling Part 

Below photo shows the comparison of poor quality anodizing(left) and good one(right). We can easily tell the difference based on color, surface quality. In general, the defected anodizing one is with dirty grey, slightly brown color, scratched surface.