Anodize Aluminum Using the Duralectra Process
Anodize or anodizing aluminum is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the naturally occurring protective oxide. The electrical charge and mild acid "oxidize" the surface of the aluminum, forming microscopic crystals of aluminum oxide. This oxide surface is very hard, much harder than the base material, but very thin, often only a thousandth of an inch. The resulting finish, depending on the process, is the second hardest substance known to man, second only to the diamond.
The anodize coating is part of the metal, but has a porous structure, which allows secondary infusions, (i.e. organic and inorganic coloring, lubricity aids, etc.). The anodized layer prevents further oxidation, so the piece will not "rust" or corrode any further, and also makes the surface much more wear and scratch resistant.
Anodize a product will lead to extremely long life span and significant economic advantages through maintenance and operating savings. Anodizing is a reacted finish that is integrated with the underlying aluminum for total bonding and unmatched adhesion.
A lower initial finishing cost combines with lower maintenance costs for greater long-term value.
DURALECTRA
uses two types of anodizing processes, sulfuric anodize and Sanford Process Hardcoat®
anodizing.
Sulfuric anodize, commonly referred to as Type II anodizing, is formed by using an electrolytic solution of sulfuric acid at room temperature. This will produce a generally clear coating. 1/3 of the coating thickness will build up per surface and 2/3 will be penetration.
Type II sulfuric anodizing provides for several desirable qualities such as:
- Corrosion
Resistance
- Durability
- Electrical
Insulation
- Can be
dyed various colors
Sulfuric anodize coatings are often sealed to enhance corrosion resistance, lock in dyes, or both. Hardcoat anodize, commonly referred to as Type III anodizing, is formed by using an electrolytic solution of sulfuric acid. This will produce a generally gray coating .001" to .002" thick with 50% buildup and 50% penetration. Hardcoat anodizing provides for several desirable qualities such as:
- Corrosion
Resistance
- Very High
Durability
- Electrical
Insulation
DURALECTRA’S
use of the Sanford Process®
for hard coat anodize has the additional advantages over traditional hard coat anodize
- Dying with
bright colors (when the Sanford
Quantum Process® is used)
- Allows
hard coating of all aluminum alloys including 2000 series
and all cast alloys
- Higher
abrasion resistance
- Uniformity
of coating
Anodized Aluminum MIL-STD-171 And The
Sanford Process®
Hard
Coating Standards
MIL-STD-171
Hard Coat Anodizing To MIL-STD-171
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