ANODIZING OVERVIEW
Anodizing
is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness
and density of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. The
anodization process is named after the part to be treated, which
represents the anode or positive portion of an electrical circuit in an
electrolytic solution.
Anodizing
increases corrosion and wear resistance and can prevent galling of
threaded parts. Anodic films can also be used for cosmetic purposes; a
thick porous coating can absorb dyes (ie. aluminum anodization) or a thin
transparent coating can add interference effects to reflected light (ie.
titanium anodization). Anodization changes the microscopic texture of the
surface and can change the crystal structure of the base metal near the
surface. Anodic films are generally much stronger and more adherent than
most paints, platings, and other coating technologies which makes them
less likely to crack and delaminate. Anodic films are most commonly
applied to protect aluminum alloys, although APT has also developed a
proprietary, breakthrough process for anodizing titanium.