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Anodizing aluminum is the process of converting aluminum metal to aluminum oxide with the use of chemistry and electricity. Over a billion, six sided pores per square inch are created in this crystalline structure. The properties of the porous structure may be altered by changing the process parameters of chemistry and electricity used. Most anodizing done today uses sulfuric acid as the electrolyte to carry the current used during anodizing. Other acids such as phosphoric acid anodizing have been used for certain applications. In the case of phosphoric acid anodizing, this process is used as a base coating for painting because the pores created are very wide and provide a good base for adhesion of the paint. Chromic acid anodizing is still done today because this process provides one of the most corrosion resistant finishes known on aluminum metal. Sulfuric acid anodized coatings are typically either conventional anodic coatings or hardcoat anodic coatings. The amount of electricity applied during the anodizing process and anodize bath parameters such as temperature, additives, and sulfuric acid content determine the type of anodic coating produced. Conventional anodic coatings are applied to many common parts made from aluminum. These parts can include mountain bike water bottle holders, Maglite flashlights, stereo receiver faceplates, lipstick cases, heat sinks for computer processors, pens, faux gold chains, boat hardware, and miscellaneous components for manufactured products. Conventional anodizing is also used for traditional architectural aluminum applications. Hard anodic coatings, commonly called "hardcoat" is more of an engineering coating designed to stand up to high wear and abrasion environments. The porosity of hardcoat is different than conventional anodizing in that the walls of the pores are thicker. These thicker walls provide more aluminum oxide for abrasion resistance. Aluminum oxide is so hard that it is used for abrasive sanding papers and steel cutting applications. The most commonly used specification covering anodizing is the military specification 8625. A letter follows the 8625 number denoting the latest revision. The latest revision number is F - "Mil. Spec. 8625 F". Under this specification you have the following classifications of anodic coatings: | By Type | | By Class | | Type I = conventional chromic acid. | | Class 1 = natural color, not dyed. | | Type IB = low voltage chromic acid. | | Class 2 = dyed coating. | | Type II = conventional sulfuric acid. | | | | Type III = hardcoat sulfuric acid. | | |
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Our goal is to combine practical experience in anodizing and formal education in method and process with the best products available for aluminum finishing from World Class Suppliers for the competitive advantage of our customers. We are the sales and technical support agent for Clariant Corp., the world's largest supplier of high performance chemistry and dyes to the anodzing industry. Check here for a listing of our products from Clariant Corp.. We also distribute chemical regeneration equipment for Eco-Tec, Inc. out of Toronto, Canada. Check here for a listing of our products from Eco-Tec, Inc. Check here for a list of our anodizing technolgies. |
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Eastern Anodic and Color, Inc. serves aluminum finishers in the North Eastern United States supplying applications technology for anodizing aluminum using chemistry, colorants, equipment, and consulting. Fifteen years of anodizing experience combined with a Masters Degree in Business Administration focuses us on process efficiency for quality improvements and cost reductions. Clariant Corp. - We are pleased to perform as the sales and technical support agent for Clariant Corp., the world's largest supplier of high performance chemistry and dyes to the anodizing industry. Check here for a listing of our products from Clariant Corp..
http://www.clariant.com/ Eco-Tec Inc. - We also distribute chemical regeneration equipment for Eco-Tec, Inc. out of Toronto, Canada. Check here for a listing of our products from Eco-Tec, Inc..
http://www.eco-tec.com/ Accessories - Accessories for anodizing are available. Check here for a listing of our anodizing accessories. Consulting - Eastern Anodic and Color, Inc. is available for more in depth process line and facility review. We don't do a lot of it since most review occurs during the normal course of chemical applications for Clariant Corp. products. Those new to anodizing, adding a process, or redesigning facilities may benefit from a more in depth analysis and recommendations program. Sample program; Definition of process and parameters. Definition of problems. Line reviews, lay out, and process flow. Lab review with techniques. Facility specific analysis for process efficiency. Written reporting with specific short term and long term measurable goals.
Training - Because there are many interdependent variables in anodizing, sometimes it is best for everyone involved to receive instruction and review at one time. Everyone starts with the same information. In addition, the mystery or art of anodizing is reduced and replaced with science. Separate departments in a facility which perform different steps such as racking and processing, who in the past blamed each other for quality issues, start to work together to solve problems. Questions like -"Would it be helpful for us to rack AAA Machining Companies part with the blind holes down so you will have better rinsing?" seem to evolve from the group setting. Sample program; - Material Selection and its importance.
- Proper surface preparation.
- Racking types and methods.
- Cleaning to a water break free surface.
- Chemical modification of the surface.
- Deoxidizing and desmutting.
- Rinsing methods of soak, dip, and spray.
- The mystery of the anodizing tank.
- Dyeing the anodic coating.
- Sealing - what to keep in and what to keep out?
- Trouble shooting.
- Quality and Control.
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