An Introduction to Hard Anodising

Anodising is used widely across many different industries and sectors, from aerospace to automotive, and many others. As a rule, it is used on parts which benefit from extra strength and durability, so it is common practice in the manufacture of parts from the automotive, aerospace, and marine sectors. These are all parts which are subject to high levels of wear, prone to corrosion, and can benefit from the strengthening and protective benefits that hard anodising provides.

Anodising is a surface treatment that uses an electrochemical process to produce an anodic oxide coating on a base metal. It improves the erosion and corrosion resistance of a material, whilst reducing its thermal and electrical conductivity.

Hard Anodising

Hard anodising is a metal finishing application.

The process involves submerging aluminium or aluminium alloy into an electrolytic solution; the most common being sulphuric acid. A cathode is placed alongside. An electrical current is passed through the aluminium, allowing it to take on the new role of the anode. This then allows it to oxidise within the sulphuric acid solution, resulting in an oxidised layer forming.

A heavy-duty, dense, wear-resistant aluminium oxide coating is applied to a metal. The original material retains all of its properties and advantages for use, as well as benefiting from an outer film that is resistant to abrasion. The thickness of this film can vary, and a thicker film can be added for increased resistance.

A coating of anywhere between 5mm and 25mm is typical, although specialist processes allow up to 200mm where required.

Industry Standard Coatings

Experts in hard anodising have experience of working with various applications, in many different industries and sectors.

Specialist teams of designers, engineers, and manufacturers, such as poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/anodising/hard-anodising/, can provide you with bespoke solutions, with their expertise in pushing conventional materials to their limit. They offer a wide range of coating solutions, including hard anodising.

Using the very latest advances in modern technology, specialist teams can provide a coating solution that works for your needs, whether industry standard or specialist.