Anodized Aluminum

Anodized Aluminum: Custom / Close Tolerance / Hard Coating / Color / Clear Aluminum /  Sulfuric Anodizing, Corrosion Protection, Anodic Coatings, Anodize Aluminum

Superior Metal Technologies offers a comprehensive range of anodized aluminum services to a wide range of customers, from industrial manufacturers needing high capacity production facilities, to the motorcycle customizers and hot rod enthusiasts needing custom anodizing for engine parts and accessories.

Anodized Aluminum Applications

Anodized aluminum products and components are used in thousands of commercial, industrial and consumer applications, limited only to the imagination of designers and engineers, including:

We have the capabilities to process many types of aluminum and aluminum alloy components, including:

Anodized Aluminum:  Our Services

We offer two primary anodized aluminum anodic coating processes: sulfuric anodizing (Type II, Class I), and modified hardcoat anodizing, also known as Hard Coating, each having unique properties and benefits. Selecting the correct anodizing process depends on the end-use application and specific properties needed of the part:

• Sulfuric Anodizing (Architectural Type II, Class I) – provides excellent corrosion resistance; can be dyed to produce a variety of colors
• Modified Hardcoat (Hard Coat) Anodizing (Architectural Type III) – for parts with "high wear" functions, when hardness and wear resistance are primary specification needs

	Checking Anodize Thickness  Click for Larger Image

The anodized aluminum process typically includes cleaning, pre-treating, anodizing, coloring (optional), and sealing.

• Close Tolerance Coatings – advanced technology provides considerably smaller tolerances than previously available
•  Pre-Treatment Finish (Matte) – we use a caustic soda etching process to remove any impurities on the top layer of the aluminum
• Anodize Finishes – various clear anodize options available along with coloring options for anodized aluminum:
   

Clear anodize (satin) Various shades of bronzes

Black Modified hard coat anodizing



• Pre-Stripping of Existing Coating – prepares surface for new anodize finish
• Fabrication – minor fabrications before or after coating
• Thermal Fill & Debridge

	Rinsing After Anodizing Click for Larger Image

Benefits of Anodized Aluminum

Unlike most other finishes, anodized aluminum preserves the natural luster, texture, and beauty of the metal itself, while imparting a hard coating that meets all the criteria to be considered when choosing an aluminum finish:

• Corrosion Protection – anodized aluminum resists moisture, salt spray, UV radiation
• Durability – long life span, will not wear out under normal use
• Color Stability – electrolytic process provides resistant to UV rays - anodized aluminum won't fade, chip or peel
• Ease of Maintenance – highly resistant to scratches and wear, cleans easily with mild detergent and water
• Aesthetics – offers a large number of gloss and color alternatives
• Cost – lower finishing cost, lower maintenance costs
• Health / Environmental Safety – anodized aluminum produces no dangerous by-products – and anodized aluminum does not harm human health or the environment

Anodize Aluminum:  The Process Step by Step

Each anodic coating has unique properties, which means selecting the best choice for the job is your first decision. Once an anodized aluminum finish type is decided on, there are still a number of steps you'll need to be aware of before the actual anodizing process is done.

More information about the steps to take to prepare your parts for the anodizing process, and obtain the high quality finished product you need, is available at: How to Prepare to Anodize Aluminum Parts.

For more in-depth information about anodizing and the uses of Anodized Aluminum, see these related topics:

• Aluminum Anodizing Process
• Is Anodizing Safe?
• Anodized Aluminum Applications