Anodizing
aluminum is the process of forming a thin layer of
aluminum hydroxide on the surface of an aluminum
substrate. The process actually causes the
aluminum (anode) to oxidize in a controlled
environment. The process is carried out by
passing a controlled electric current through the
aluminum which is submerged in a weak acid electrolyte.
The anodized layer that forms is very hard and abrasion
resistant; it also becomes non-conductive which can be
used as an insulating material in
electronics.
A beneficial
by-product of the anodizing process is the ability to
dye the aluminum hydroxide that has built
up. The process of anodizing
actually opens the pores of the aluminum which allows
dye pigment to be absorbed into the surface of the
anodized part. The colour is then “locked in”
by closing the pores in a boiling solution of chemical
sealer.
Anodizing has
its benefits against regular liquid painting and even
powder coating in that the layer that is formed is no
thicker then .0005”. This is especially beneficial
with precision parts that require keeping tight
tolerances but still desiring a protective and/or
colourful finish. For this reason, anodized
finishes are very popular in the paintball and radio
control industries.
At Villain
Motorsports we specialize in custom
anodize finishes for small parts and
componants in order to keep the quality high but keep
the cost low. If you are interested in having
your parts anodized or just need more information of
the process or our capibilites please send us an
email.
