Processes
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is anodizing?
Anodize is the coating of aluminum oxide that is grown from the aluminum by passing an electrical current through an acid electrolyte bath in which the aluminum is immersed. The coating thickness and surface characteristics are tightly controlled to meet and product specifications. Aluminum oxide is an extremely hard material that approaches the hardness of a diamond. As a result, the aluminum oxide layer provides excellent wear and corrosion protection.
What is the purpose of anodizing?
General reasons for anodizing are: wear, resistance, corrosion resistance, surface lubricity, heat dissipation, dielectric (non-conductive) properties, adhesion and aesthetics.
Is anodizing environmentally friendly?
Yes, anodize does not entail the use of heavy metals nor does it produce toxic waste. Anodize meets the environmental and safety directives of the FDA, USDA, ELV, WEEE and RoHS.
What substrates or base metals can be anodized?
The three substrates that can be anodized are aluminum, titanium, and magnesium. Steel or stainless steel cannot be anodized.
Are there any size limitations for my project?
Yes, Please contact us for minimum and maximum sizes of materials that we can handle.
Is there a price difference between conventional and hard anodize?
Hard anodize is more expensive due to the increased energy requirements associated with the process. Ending cost differences are dependent upon many variables in a given order. For example: part size, racking instructions, packaging, etc.
What colors are available for anodize?
A rainbow of colors are available. Please ask and we can send a color palette which will allow you to match to your specifications or we can help you match to your project.
What alloys are best for anodizing?
In general, wrought alloy series 1000-7000 provide the best corrosion and aesthetic properties that cast alloy. Specific alloy choice to match performance needs should be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
How can I determine which process I should choose given the operating environment?
So many variables come into play that in order to determine the optimal process we ask that you please contact one of our knowledgeable sales engineers or customer service reps for further help and clarification. Indy Metal finishing offers testing solutions to identify the best process for given environments.
Do you take orders from clients outside the United States?
Most definitely! Pricing will be offered based upon payment in U.S. dollars via wire transfer in advance.
Anodize is the coating of aluminum oxide that is grown from the aluminum by passing an electrical current through an acid electrolyte bath in which the aluminum is immersed. The coating thickness and surface characteristics are tightly controlled to meet and product specifications. Aluminum oxide is an extremely hard material that approaches the hardness of a diamond. As a result, the aluminum oxide layer provides excellent wear and corrosion protection.
What is the purpose of anodizing?
General reasons for anodizing are: wear, resistance, corrosion resistance, surface lubricity, heat dissipation, dielectric (non-conductive) properties, adhesion and aesthetics.
Is anodizing environmentally friendly?
Yes, anodize does not entail the use of heavy metals nor does it produce toxic waste. Anodize meets the environmental and safety directives of the FDA, USDA, ELV, WEEE and RoHS.
What substrates or base metals can be anodized?
The three substrates that can be anodized are aluminum, titanium, and magnesium. Steel or stainless steel cannot be anodized.
Are there any size limitations for my project?
Yes, Please contact us for minimum and maximum sizes of materials that we can handle.
Is there a price difference between conventional and hard anodize?
Hard anodize is more expensive due to the increased energy requirements associated with the process. Ending cost differences are dependent upon many variables in a given order. For example: part size, racking instructions, packaging, etc.
What colors are available for anodize?
A rainbow of colors are available. Please ask and we can send a color palette which will allow you to match to your specifications or we can help you match to your project.
What alloys are best for anodizing?
In general, wrought alloy series 1000-7000 provide the best corrosion and aesthetic properties that cast alloy. Specific alloy choice to match performance needs should be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
How can I determine which process I should choose given the operating environment?
So many variables come into play that in order to determine the optimal process we ask that you please contact one of our knowledgeable sales engineers or customer service reps for further help and clarification. Indy Metal finishing offers testing solutions to identify the best process for given environments.
Do you take orders from clients outside the United States?
Most definitely! Pricing will be offered based upon payment in U.S. dollars via wire transfer in advance.