Clear anodizing is an anodizing process that produces a uniform clear film on the surface of various metals, typically aluminum, which provides the metal with increased corrosion and wear resistance. Utilizing the process of electrolytic passivation, this film is an oxide coating, meaning a hard non-reactive surface, which typically has a thickness of less than .0010”.
Related Categories
|
Fort Wayne AnodizingFort Wayne, IN 800-347-1030 Since 1953, continuous improvement to uphold the highest standards has been a corporate objective of Fort Wayne Anodizing. By forming a unique partnership with the customer, we can carefully analyze the project and recommend solutions for optimum results. They will do what it takes to locate the best clear anodizing options for your applications.
Profile Precision ExtrusionsPhoenix, AZ 623-936-5599 At Profile Precision Extrusions, our experience in fabrications allows us to work closely with your design team to meet your most critical needs. Once your design is finished, custom prototypes have been delivered in as little as five days. For all of your clear anodizing needs, choose a company who can provide you with what you need, when you need it. What can we do for you?
Mid-States Aluminum Corp.Fond Du Lac, WI 920-922-7207 At Mid-States Aluminum Corporation, we are dedicated to providing you the greatest value in design and manufacturing. Our team is able to provide complete value analysis assistance, incorporating our knowledge of clear anodizing and manufacturing processes. Our extensive capabilities include extrusion, fabrication, machining, tooling, and assembly.
Extrude-A-TrimToronto, ON 416-798-1277 Toll Free Phone: 888-557-0883 If your company is interested in recycled extrusions made from recycled aluminum, look no further. Here at Extrude-A-Trim, we will work with you to develop the solution that works for you when your projects are green. Our extensive services include aluminum fabrication, finishing, customized extrusion punching, clear anodizing and more. Call now for a free quote!
David Russell Anodizing, Inc.Sanford, FL 877-620-5017 The father and son team at David Russell Anodizing has a combined 60 years of aluminum anodizing experience. We offer bright dip anodizing and have recently added titanium anodizing to our services. If our current color anodizing selection isn't sufficient, we are happy to customize. Contact us!
Hardcoatings, Inc.Charlotte, NC 704-377-2996 Hardcoatings, Inc. was founded in 1975 and benefits from many decades of combined experience among its management and staff. Here, we will personally attend to your clear anodizing needs with prompt and courteous service. In addition, we have eliminated environmentally hazardous processes, and now our process no longer produces any hazardous waste.
|
Clear anodizing is typically a sulfuric acid anodizing process, and as a result, offers better wear resistance than chromic acid anodizing and comparable corrosion resistance. Used in a variety of applications, clear anodizing benefits diverse industries including: architecture, for use in window and door frames, railings and siding; automotive, for use in trim and housings for various exposed parts; printing, for use as commercial photolithography plates; and industrial manufacturing, for sheet metal and various extrusions such as profiles and cases for additional surface protection. Additionally, clear anodizing can be colored by means such as organic dyes and metallic salts to create colors such as red, yellow, blue and green for decorative applications such as jewelry or artwork. Some further benefits of clear anodizing include decreased part maintenance, reduced metal weight, being environmentally-friendly and increased production efficiency.
The clear anodizing process is basically identical to the Type II sulfuric acid anodizing process. A commonly used anodizing process, Type II sulfuric acid requires the metal to be fully immersed into sulfuric acid, a highly corrosive and oil-like acid that is formed from sulfur dioxide. When the metal is immersed in the acid an electric current, generally direct current, is sent through the sulfuric acid and reacts with anodes on the surface of the material. The reaction of the current and the anodes creates the hard outer film of oxidation. After the material is removed from the sulfuric acid bath, it is then sealed through the use of hot water in order to enhance the corrosion-resistant properties of the film. If a color is going to be added, then the dye or salt must be introduced after immersion in the sulfuric acid bath but before sealing, so that when sealed, the color will become locked in. While the addition of color can be eye-catching, clear anodizing allows the natural luster of the metal to shine through. Although aluminum is the most common material used in clear anodizing, other metals may be anodized as well including: titanium, magnesium, zinc, niobium and tantalum.
