How Does Anodizing Improve Sheet Metal Parts?

You have designed a sheet metal part. It looks good on paper but how do you make sure it withstands daily use without losing its aesthetic appeal? This is where sheet metal anodizing. This process improves the metal parts during finishing and it is an advanced method. It is a step up from painting and finishing. This process improves the colorful protective layer that center bead anodizing includes.

Creating a New Protective Layer

While paint sits on the surface, anodizing modifies the top layer of the aluminum. The part is dipped in an acid electrolyte and has an electrical current run through it. This makes it so the surface metal atoms are made to fuse with oxygen atoms. This results in porcelain like extension of aluminum oxide that is thick and uniform. This extension is made of pure integrated metal without superficial veneers that chip, peel, or flake. This process is the result of protective modern sheet metal anodizing finishing.

Boosting Resistance to Corrosion

When it comes to anodizing, the top reason for choosing it is for the almost unbeatable protection from corrosion. The aluminum oxide layer is inert and very non reactive. it serves as a strong barrier protecting the aluminum from environmentally harmful elements such as moisture, salt spray, and industrial chemicals. The oxidized aluminum has a lower chance of developing rust and corrosion. This makes oxidized aluminum parts suitable for use in environments that harshly expose the parts to the elements, aggressive cleaning chemicals, and other extreme conditions where anodized aluminum parts need to be corrosion resistant for a long time.

Increasing Resistance to Wear

The anodized aluminum surface not only achieves resistance to corrosion, it also achieves a level of hardness that is greater than even tool steel. This hard anodized surface provides outstanding resistance to abrasion and extreme wear in a way the parts will be excessively handled and the surface will still be in good condition. The appearance of the parts will be in good condition for a long period of time because the surface will resist scratches and surface wear. All of this means that the pressure to replace the parts will be lower because it will look and function like new.

Enhancing Beauty

Beyond functionality, anodizing can enhance the beauty of a product. While the anodized layer is dyed, one can choose from the largest spectrum of colors - from classic black and clear to shades of blue, red, and gold. There are a lot of great color options. Colors are rich and deep as they are dyed and imbedded. They won't fade in time either. You can even choose the finish! Depending on the aesthetic you are trying to achieve, you can order a product in a matte or a gloss finish.

Increasing Paint and Glue Adhesion

There are times when an anodized part needs a painted logo or an additional element glued on. The anodized surface is great for this. Because of the micro pore structure of anodized parts, paints, glues, and adhesives bond more strongly to anodized components. This is in contrast to raw, smooth metal surfaces which are more difficult to bond. It resolves the common issues of glues and tapes losing adhesion. This ensures that, for example, glued tags and labels stay in place.