Anodizing of aluminum and titanium parts

Anodizing is a surface treatment process applied to aluminum or titanium alloy parts. This surface treatment firstly makes it possible to protect the parts, giving them better resistance to wear, heat or the ability to withstand corrosion (anti-corrosion). Secondly, it allows the parts to be decorated; in addition to colorless anodizing, color anodizing (tinting) offers a wide range of colors while preserving the natural metallic appearance of the material. 

After machining of your metal parts (including sheet metal parts and profiles) in our workshops, we offer different options in terms of finishes and surface treatments. In this article, we provide you with a little more detail of the process and the different stages of anodizing aluminum or titanium parts. 

What is the anodizing of aluminum/titanium alloy parts? 

As mentioned above, after machining your aluminum or titanium parts, we perform a first post-machining operation (polishing) to create a good surface finish for your metal parts. Then comes the step of rinsing and anodizing, which is an accelerated electrochemical process consisting of forming an insulating aluminum oxide layer (anodic oxidation), generally with a thickness of 5 to 50 micrometers (depending on whether the part is desired to be used indoors or outdoors).   

The steps of anodizing: 

– The aluminum or titanium alloy part is placed in an electrolytic bath of dilute sulfuric acid and connected to the positive pole (anode).  The reaction that occurs removes the natural oxide layer of aluminum and deposits a new thicker layer of aluminum oxide (or alumina). During this process, the new layer formed can absorb pigments or other substances. 

– There are two options depending on the desired appearance: transparent layer or customized coloring. When this layer of aluminum oxide has been formed, it can accept pigments to color the part. Metallic colors can thus be applied perfectly and any color is possible.

– Filling/sealing step during which the pores are compacted and stabilized in the layer, thus transforming the surface into a closed layer. This results in a corrosion-resistant anodized layer that remains clean and maintains its color. 

Once treated, the surface of the anodised aluminum or titanium not only has excellent corrosion resistance, but also preserves its color and remains clean. It will always be possible to then apply a surface finish such as by microbeads blasting. 

Anodizing at Prototech Asia

We constantly strive to offer you the best service for prototyping and production of your metal parts. You work with a single supplier, from part analysis and machining to anodised surface treatment (and other finishes). We work with local suppliers for the anodizing of aluminum and titanium parts. These suppliers are carefully audited and the parts are systematically checked after treatment. 

Below are some examples of metal parts made in our workshop and subsequently anodised : 

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like more information about the aluminum and titanium anodizing process. You can also rely on us for the production of your metal parts.