Anodized Aluminum: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

I know you’re probably wondering what anodized aluminum is all about.

Whether you want to learn about benefits, features, limitations or the polishing process, read this guide.

Take a look.

What Is An Anodized Aluminum?

Anodized aluminum is a type of aluminum that has an additional layer of oxide. the additional layer is as a result of anodizing process.

Anodized aluminum has enhanced physical and chemical properties compared to normal aluminum.

The additional oxide layer offers protection against various adverse factors such as extreme heat and corrosion.

Anodized aluminum

Why Choose Anodized Aluminum?

The main reasons why you should select an anodized aluminum Are:

Durability Of Anodized Aluminum

The durability aspects helps in reducing the overall maintenance cost of your product. It is not easy to peel the anodized element on your aluminum meaning you can use it in versatile environment.

Easy To Fabricate

Anodized aluminum is easy to bend and machine. This is because anodizing does not affect the physical properties of your aluminum.

The ease of fabrication allows you to use it in the manufacturing of various products.

Enhances The Visual Appeal

The color of your anodized aluminum does not easily wear off. You therefore have a product with an enhanced visual appeal for your use.

This allows your product to remain new for long.

Are There Limitations Of Anodized Aluminum?

Yes. using anodized aluminum has minor limitations which include:

Anodized Aluminum Is Expensive

The initial purchasing price for anodized aluminum is high. This is due to the anodization process which enhances the aluminum properties making it ideal to use.

High cost implies you need proper budgeting before purchasing your anodized aluminum.

Anodized Aluminum Is Heavy

Anodization process usually adds a thin oxide layer on your aluminum. This makes the aluminum stronger and adaptable to different applications.

However, the additional of a thick layer makes the anodized aluminum heavier. You therefore have to consider the weight when planning to use it on your application.

Limited To Washing Procedure

You have limited options when it comes to cleaning your anodized aluminum. For instance, you only need to hand wash your anodized aluminum.

Using an alternative method can degrade the properties of anodized aluminum making it vulnerable to harsh factors.

Heavy Weight

Anodizing adds a thin layer on your aluminum. This has the effect of increasing the overall weight of your aluminum.

An increase in weight reduces areas where you can use the aluminum. You may have to purchase more than two metals in certain cases.

How Do You Anodize Aluminum?

The process of anodizing aluminum takes place in four main stages. These stages are:

Anodozing aluminum process

Cleaning Aluminum

as an initial step in anodizing your aluminum, you have to soak the aluminum in a water-based solution for a few minutes. The solution should contain mild alkalis or acids and detergents.

The acids, alkalis and detergent help in removing the impurities present on the aluminum surface. You may have to scrub the surface to facilitate the impurity removal process.

Pretreatment

There are different pretreatment methods for your aluminum. However, the common one is etching.

Etching involves dipping the aluminum in sodium hydroxide and leaving it there for some minutes. The sodium hydroxide dissolves the aluminum compound present leaving a matte or satin finish.

After completing the etching process, you have to dip the product in a deoxidizer solution. This process removes oxide residues from the aluminum surface.

Anodizing

This is the main stage of fabricating your anodized aluminum. The result of this process is the anodic coating present on your anodized aluminum.

This is through the use of an electrolytic cell that consists of sulphuric acid acting as electrolytes. The aluminum material acts as the positive electrode.

When you pass a direct current through the aluminum, it decomposes the water while removing oxygen. The oxygen then combines with the aluminum and forms a coat.

The coat is usually transparent and consists of a porous aluminum oxide layer which is microscopic. You can determine the thickness of the coat by varying the electric current amount.

You can also vary the duration that you pass current on your aluminum.

Coloring

Coloring is an optional stage that you can have on your anodized aluminum. Two methods are available for coloring your anodized aluminum.

The first one is integral coloring which involves coloring your anodized aluminum during the formation process. The second method involves coloring your anodized aluminum after the anodization process.

Sealing

You have to seal your anodized aluminum to prevent Impurities from affecting it. Sealing involves dipping your anodized aluminum in hot water.

The hot water should contain metal salts.

Where Can You Use Anodized Aluminum?

The main areas of using anodized aluminum are:

Cookware Items

different cookware items make use of anodized aluminum due to its unique properties. Such properties include durability, high heat and corrosion resistance.

Among the items you can use anodized aluminum include cooking pans and spoons.

Electronics

There are different electronics that require anodized aluminum for their fabrication. The unique properties of anodized aluminum make them ideal for use in these electronics.

Electronics that use anodized aluminum include refrigerators, TV, dryers, dust covers and light fixtures.

Automotive Industry

There is fabrication of different automotive parts using adonized aluminum. The main ones are brake pads, wheel covers and control covers.

The exposure of these parts to various elements makes adonized aluminum an ideal raw material for their usage.

You have to consider several factors before using your adonized aluminum. These factors include the thickness and size of your adonized aluminum.

What Are The Characteristics Of Anodized Aluminum?

The main properties o an anodized aluminum are:

High Heat Resistance

Anodized aluminum is suitable for high heat applications. This is due to its ability to absorb high temperatures without affecting its overall outlook and performance.

High Corrosion Resistance

The additional of an oxide layer makes you anodized aluminum to act as an inactive metal. You therefore do not have to worry about any corrosive effect that you may subject it to during functioning.

Highly Durable

Anodized aluminum is strong and durable due to the additional of an oxide layer during the anodizing process. Durability reduces the overall price and maintenance when using it

Ease To Machine.

You can easily work on your anodized aluminum to it your specification This includes welding and cutting.

How Much Do Anodized Aluminum Cost?

The actual pricing of anodized aluminum depends on the following factors:

Thickness Of Anodized Aluminum

Anodized aluminum is available in different thickness. The thicker the aluminum, the higher the price.

This is due to the anodizing process which tend to cost higher when you are fabricating thicker anodized aluminum.

You have to specify the thickness of your anodized aluminum for you to get the exact price.

Manufacturer Of Anodized Aluminum

The different fabrication processes among the different manufacturers result in price variation. It is important you consult with different manufacturers before deciding the price you are comfortable with.

However, you have to check with the qualities of the manufacturer you want to engage. Such a manufacturer should adhere to the quality standards for producing your anodized aluminum.

Customization Of Anodized Aluminum

There are different ways you can customize your anodized aluminum. This depends with thr various specifications you want for your aluminum.

Common customization methods include branding, painting and various surface finishes. Complex customization usually increases the price of your anodized aluminum.

MOQ Of Anodized Aluminum

Manufacturers usually work with different MOQ. This helps in reducing the operational cost while maximizing on the profit.

Discussing with your manufacturer on their MOQ can help in determining the price you pay. You can also negotiate on the price if you don’t meet the MOQ.

How Does Anodized Aluminum Compare To Normal Aluminum Without Surface Finish?

Anodizing aluminum

Anodize aluminum is superior in terms o quality and performance than a normal aluminum. For instance, the performance of anodized aluminum.

The cost of anodized aluminum is relatively higher than that of a normal aluminum without surface finish. The pricing is due to the anodizing process which increases the output of the aluminum.

The durability of anodized aluminum facilitates the overall reduction of your application than using a normal aluminum. Such cost includes the purchasing and maintenance cost associated with repairing of your application.

Anodized aluminum has a higher visual appeal than a normal aluminum without a surface finish. You therefore have a metal than you can use in diverse application.

A normal aluminum without a surface finish is lighter than an anodized aluminum. The lightness in weight exposes it to factors such as wear and tear.

Is Anodized Aluminum Better Than Powder Coated Aluminum?

Powder coated aluminum

Yes. Anodized aluminum offers unique properties which makes it better than powder coated aluminum.

For instance, anodizing allows you to have color variation on your aluminum. However, powder coating depends on the powder color meaning you have to check the color you are using.

Anodize aluminum has a high visual appeal than a powder coated aluminum. You therefore have metal that you can use in a wide range of applications than using a powder coated aluminum.

The durability of an adonized aluminum is higher than that of a powder coated aluminum. The addition of an oxide layer prevents further chemical reaction.

Durability implies that you reduce the overall cost of purchasing and maintaining your aluminum metal.

Is Anodized Aluminum Better Than Painted Aluminum?

Yes. Anodized aluminum offers superior qualities compared to painted aluminum. For instance, anodized aluminum has a high heat resistance capacity than painted aluminum.

It is also corrosion resistance which gives you durability and a high performance than painted aluminum.

The overall weight of anodized aluminum is higher than a painted aluminum.

Can You Remove Anodizing From Anodized Aluminum?

Yes. it is possible to remove anodizing from an anodize aluminum.

How Is Anodized Aluminum Different From Plated Aluminum?

The main difference between an anodized aluminum and a plated aluminum is the thickness. Anodized aluminum tends to be thicker than plated aluminum.

The reason for this is anodization tend to add oxide cations while plating reduces oxide cations.

The advantage of both plating and anodizing is they have the same characteristics and offer similar functions.

Will Anodized Aluminum Wear Off?

No. Anodized aluminum does not wear off when you do the process correctly.

However, the durability of the anodized layer depends on several factors. For instance, the working and storage conditions of your anodized aluminum.

Do Anodized Aluminum Come In Different Colors?

Yes. Anodized aluminum is available in different colors.

The advantage of this is it allows you to combine different colors on your anodized aluminum as per your specifications.

Is There Barrier Layer In Anodized Aluminum?

Yes. There is a barrier layer in an anodized aluminum.

The barrier is due to the electrochemical reaction which results in formation of pores on the aluminum surface. These pores are in such a way that there is a regular geometrical pattern on the surface.

The process usually combines the negative oxide ions with the positive aluminum ions to form aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide is the barrier layer on the anodized aluminum.

The advantage of the barrier layer is it prevents further chemical reaction on the anodized aluminum.

Are Anodized Aluminum Cookware Safe?

Yes. Anodized cookware is safe for human use and to the environment.

The chemical properties of an anodized aluminum prevent further reaction. The advantage of this is it allows you to use different products on your cookware without worrying.

The colors pf your anodized aluminum cookware does not peel of easily. This prevents points of contamination.

Can You Polish Anodized Aluminum?

Yes. It is possible to polish your anodized aluminum.

There are different methods of polishing your anodized aluminum. However, the method you use does not affect the properties of your anodized aluminum.

Is Anodized Aluminum Durable?

Yes. Anodized aluminum is durable compared to various metals including raw aluminum.

Anodized aluminum has superior properties that extends its durability compared to other metals. For instance, it is resistance to corrosion and highly abrasive resistant.

The advantage of durability is it reduces the overall maintenance cost of your products.

How Do You Custom Anodized Aluminum?

. The main ways you can customize your adonized aluminum are:

• Color selection

Anodized aluminum is compatible with different colors. This allows you to select a color that suits your specifications.

Color compatibility also allows you to use more than one color to customize your adonized aluminum.

• Thickness of your adonized aluminum

You are at liberty to select the thickness of your adonized aluminum. Thickness varies depending on the amount of electric current you use during the adonization process. It also depends on the duration you subject your aluminum to the anodization process.

You however need to consider the application that you want to use your anodized aluminum.

• Branding

Branding involves placing a name or image on your adonized aluminum. This helps in giving your anodized aluminum a unique appearance.

You have different branding methods available for your adonized aluminum. Such methods include painting and engraving.

The choice of which branding method depends on the cost and specifications you want.

At Inox, we can handle a range of metal surface finishing including anodized magnesium, zinc anodizing, or coating on aluminum.