Metal Surface Finishing
Anodizing
Module 06
National Institute of Coating Technology
Avinash Barve
Metal Finishing Consultant
Contact No: 9881302617/8080164584
Anodizing
An electrochemical process that converts the Aluminum metal surface into oxides.
It is decorative, durable & corrosion-resistant finish.
Depending on the end-use the surface oxide layer can be increased to get better
hardness
Other nonferrous metals like Magnesium and Titanium can be anodized
After anodizing the surface may be colored with a dye, and sealed in boiling water
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Anodizing Process
Anode
• In anodizing Aluminum is dipped in acid Job
electrolyte bath and DC electric current is
passed
• The job acts as anode,
• The oxygen ions released at anode
combine with the aluminum Ions on surface
to anodize
• This results in a metal oxide film converted
on the surface
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Anodizing Common applications
Appliances
Food processing equipment
Furniture
Sporting goods and boats
Auto components
Jewelry and artwork
Bathroom accessories,
Defense & Aerospace
General engineering applications.
Electricals and Electronics
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Types of Anodizing
Decorative Anodizing & Hard Anodising
Type – I : Chromic Acid Anodizing
(Decorative)
Type – II : Sulphuric Acid Anodizing.
(Decorative & Hard )
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Types of Anodizing
Decorative Anodizing
Chromic Acid Anodising - Chromic acid electrolyte used
This is a thin coating
This is a preferred choice for anodizing of castings
This is rarely used
Film thicknesses anywhere between 1 to 10 Microns
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Types of Anodizing
Sulphuric Acid Anodising - the most common method of anodizing,
Utilizing sulphuric acid electrolyte
This is more corrosion resistant and durable
Film thicknesses in aluminum 5-25 Microns
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Types of Anodizing
Hard anodizing utilizes a higher concentration of sulphuric
acid at lower temperature (about -10°C) resulting in a tough
Film (25-100 µm) with excellent abrasion resistance,
corrosion resistance, colour fade resistance and surface
hardness
The coatings are grey to black in color.
All aluminum alloys can be anodized to give hard anodized
coatings.
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Anodizing Process Sequence
Hot soak Cascade Acid
Pre Cleaning Loading
degreasing Rinse I & II Deoxidising
Cascade Cascade Cascade
Nitric Acid Dip Anodising
Rinse I & II Rinse I & II Rinse I & II
Cascade Drying
Colouring Rinse I Sealing Hot Rinse
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Post Treatment
After anodizing the job is colored and sealed.
Colouring (Dying)
Dyes dissolved in hot water are penetrated inside the
pores of anodised surface for desired coloration
Sealing
Sealing is the process in which the pores at the surface Colour
of the oxide layer are closed off
Di-Chromate or Nickel-Acetates are used for sealing will
enhance corrosion resistance & will reduce abrasion
resistance
Hot water forms hydrous oxide
crystals, sealing the pores.
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National Institute of Coating Technology
National Institute of Coating Technology
Thank You
Avinash Barve
Meghan Manjrekar - Coating Application Expert
Metal Finishing Consultant 9822752450
Contact No: 9881302617/8080164584 [email protected]
