Lorin - About anodizing


		The Art of Anodizing \| History \| Anodizing Options \| The Coil Anodizing Process \| Features & benefits \| Informational Links

The Art of Anodizing		While the natural beauty of aluminum is obvious – the ability of aluminum to transform itself through anodizing is where its true beauty comes out. Anodizing controls the natural oxidation process of aluminum, producing a superior finished product with infinite decorative and functional possibilities.

Historically Speaking...		Aluminum became a star in the early 1920’s. Since then, the finishing technology has taken center spotlight with a steady stream of protection and finishing improvements. The first, and most important of these improvements, was the development of the anodizing process.

Anodizing Options		Continuous Coil Anodizing Continuous coil anodizing involves the continuous unwinding of coils through a series of anodizing tanks and then rewinding the coil upon completion of the circuit. Advantages Wide range of metal and film thickness capabilities Less material handling Precise color control and uniformity Cost effective Disadvantages Bare edges on stamped parts Crazing when parts made from anodized material are severely formed Limited to sheet and foil Sheet Anodizing Sheet anodizing takes wide width, plate and large fabricated aluminum products – attaches them to a racking or framing network and immerses them into large anodizing tanks. Advantages Smaller production runs Thicker anodic film capabilities Anodized edges Disadvantages Potential for color variance from sheet to sheet High costs Potential for variance in anodic film Crazing when severely formed Batch or Piece Anodizing Batch or piece anodizing is used primarily to anodize extrusions, castings and parts with severe forming. Pieces are attached to racking equipment and immersed in a series of treatment tanks. Advantages Small production runs Thicker anodic film options Edges anodized Disadvantages Potential for color variance Excessive handling of material during processing Higher manufacturing costs

The Coil Anodizing Process		During the coil-anodizing process, aluminum is cleaned, and can then be etched, brightened or colored to create a unique finished product. Cleaning Acid cleaners are used to remove grease and any surface dirt that the aluminum may have gathered during production and/or transit. Pre-Treatment Etching A matte surface finish can be created and minor surface imperfections removed through various etch processes. Brightening Aluminum can also be brightened using various acids to chemically smooth the material surface – creating a brighter, more reflective appearance. Anodizing Once the surface has been cleaned and pre-treated, the anodic film is built. Electrical current is passed through an electrolyte bath. As the aluminum moves through the bath, the anodic film is built. Coil anodizing uses speed and current to control the thickness of the resulting anodic film. Coloring Coloring of anodized aluminum can be achieved using one of the following methods: Electrolytic Coloring Integral Coloring Interference Coloring Sealing This final step closes the pores in the anodic film, locking in colors and creating a surface resistance to staining, abrasion, and crazing and color degradation.

Features & Benefits		Durability Anodized products have a long life span and can offer significant economic advantages through maintenance and operating savings. Exterior anodic coatings provide excellent stability to ultraviolet rays, do not chip or seep and are easily repeatable – keeping finishes beautiful and colors true. Ease of Maintenance Anodized aluminum cleans up with simple soap and water. We recommend at least annual cleaning to keep your material looking its best. "Green" Everything about anodized aluminum is “green” from the base material to the anodizing process to the finished product to the 100% recyclability. Our material will not out-gas, does not produce toxic fumes and is static resistant so we don’t collect dust. Pure, simple, safe anodized aluminum.

Information Sources & Links		For more information about anodizing, log on to the sites below: www.anodizing.org

Downloads		Cleaning & Care of Anodized Aluminum Crazing: What It Means & How To Work With It