What are the pros and cons of anodising?

Anodising is a specialised electrochemical process that enhances aluminium. It can boost aluminium’s natural resistance to corrosion and can also improve its aesthetic appearance.

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Anodising – Pros

Anodising offers a wide range of high-quality finishes which are regarded as superior to those achieved by plating or powder coating. It protects the base metal and offers a deeper, richer appearance.

Anodised surfaces are easy to maintain and their original lustre can be restored using just water and mild detergent. An anodised surface does not flake or peel.

Anodising – Cons

Despite the positives outlined above, there are some downsides/restrictions to using the anodising process.

Only specific grades of aluminium can be used for the anodising process. As anodising draws from the base metal, there can be some colour discolouration, notably with lower-grade metals. This can make it harder to replicate consistency.

Anodising is quite an expensive method which has high setup costs and also uses high-grade alloys.

What does the anodising process involve?

The process is reasonably simple, but it requires extensive knowledge, experience, and specialist equipment. The main stages are:

The aluminium component is submerged in a bath containing a pre-prepared electrolytic solution. The cathode is attached to the inside.
An electrical current is passed through the bath.
Oxygen forms on the surface of the anode.
A metal oxide film grows on the surface of the component.
The pores are closed, using a process called ‘sealing’.

Surface Treatment Experts

Surface treatments are becoming increasingly popular as a way of adding desirable attributes to, and boosting the longevity of, various components/parts. If this appeals to you or could benefit your business, there are a number of surface treatment specialists, such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/, who can offer various options.

Alternatives to Anodising

There are a number of alternatives to anodising. The main ones are: powder coating, electroplating, PVDF coating, mechanical finishing, bright-dip finishing, and Alodine chemical film. Each of these offers its own benefits in terms of durability, cost and appearance.