Hardcoat Finishes

Hardcoat anodizing produces superior hardness and density. Hardcoat aluminum wears better than hardened steels. The final appearance of a hardcoated surface depends on the alloy and the thickness of the coating. Our hardcoating is in clear or black.

Hardcoat anodizing (sometimes called hardcoating or hard anodizing) is an electrochemical process that yields an anodic oxide, integral to the aluminum part. Hardcoat anodizing offers a variety of beneficial properties:

• Thickness
• Corrosion Resistance
• Hardness and Wear Resistance
• Electrical Resistance
• Temperature Resistance
• Low Friction Coefficient after Lubrication

The specific properties of the anodic oxide will be dependent upon the specific alloy being treated and the process parameters being applied.

Coating Thickness

Hardcoat anodizing may be provided in thicknesses ranging from 0.5 mils to 3.0 mils, depending on the alloy and the application. Like coatings, hardcoat anodizing changes the dimensions of the basic part; although, unlike plating, only half of the hardcoat is buildup (the other half is penetration).

Bright Dip Anodizing

Bright Dip anodizing is a chemical process that brightens aluminum and does not leave a deposit on the surface of the part. After aluminum is Bright Dipped it can be anodized clear or dyed to a variety of colors. At this point, the anodized aluminum is not only bright, but also protected from corrosion, scratching and fading.

Bright Dip anodizing achieves a highly electro polish finish similar to the quality of plating. In contrast to plating, Bright Dip is a chemical process that brightens aluminum and does not leave deposits on the surface of the part. The degree of brightness is dependent on the type of alloy as well as the surface finish of the part. With some alloys making it more possible than others to get a reflective, mirror type of finish.

Electrolytic 2-Step Anodizing

The typical anodizing employed in the architectural industry is called "two-step electrolytic." The actual anodizing and coloring of the aluminum occurs in seperate steps of the process. The anodizing step takes place in a tank that contains a solution of sulfuric acid and water. The tank is charged with an electrical current, and aluminum oxide is formed on the surface of the aluminum.

After anodizing is complete, the parts can be immersed in an optional coloring tank, to achieve bronze or black tones instead of the standard clear or silver finish. In the coloring tank, the anodized aluminum is immersed in a bath containing an inorganic metal which is deposited in the anodic pores by means of electrolytic current. The amount of time the part is immersed will determine the color achieved. Darker colors are created by extending the immersion time and increasing metal deposition. We can produce shades from platinum to bronze to black.