Facts about Anodizing

Many companies in the industrial manufacturing business face the threat of corrosion for their equipment. One way to protect your equipment is to have it anodized. This electrochemical process seals metals, especially delicate aluminum alloys, making them more resistant to rust.

What Happens During the Process

This process starts when metal is immersed inside an anodizing tank containing a negatively charged electrolyte solution. A current is passed through this solution that causes oxygen molecules to collect on a positively charged surface. This leaves an oxide film on any metal inside the tank, making it anodized. The film changes the exterior of the metal, making it stronger and corrosion-resistant.

There Are Multiple Benefits

The primary benefit is that anodized metals are much stronger and rust-resistant. This is because the process gives the surface a layer that lasts forever and can withstand rust and abrasion. That sets the metal up to handle the harsh environments often found in industrial manufacturing plants. Aside from this, electroplating is a cost-effective option that doesn’t harm the environment. Additionally, there are multiple types of anodizing so that each manufacturer can choose the right level for their business.

Using Chromic Acid

Chromium electroplating was the first anodizing process used commercially. It uses a negatively charged chromic acid-based solution. The result of this process is a thin oxide layer that offers corrosion resistance.

Sulfuric Acid Coats

The most common type of anodizing is known as Type II. This uses a sulfuric acid-based solution to provide a thicker coat for increased durability and strength. These coatings can be up to one millimeter thick.

Anodizing is a way to protect metals from corrosion. It is instrumental in the industrial manufacturing world, where rust is a common threat to equipment. This process works by leaving an oxide layer on the surface of a metal. This makes the material stronger and rust-resistant. Several different types of electroplating offer different levels of protection. However, they are all useful for protecting metals from rust.