Everyday Anodising
Anodising is an incredibly popular metal finish and is one of the most popular metal finishing services that we provide at Dorsetware. A popular metal to anodise is aluminium due to its flexible characteristics and the fantastic finish that results.
Why Aluminium?
Aluminium is a brilliant metal, it won’t rust like steel or iron. Its only downfall you could say is that it’s susceptible to corrosion, but even this so-called negative can immediately be turned around! Corrosion is the steady degradation of a metal or material as it’s exposed to the environment but when used creatively by engineers can yield incredible utility for products.
What is Anodising?
Anodising takes naturally occurring process – oxidation – and ramps up the volume. It turns the aluminium surface of an object into a thicker layer of aluminium oxide. With anodising an electric current is passed through the aluminium, then it’s dipped into an electrolytic acid bath.
What Does Anodising Do?
The anodised layer protects the aluminium from damage; ironically it makes the metal more resistant to corrosion. Anodising also strengthens aluminium so that it’s harder to wear down or crack from actions such as dropping or contact with other items. Aluminium anodising typically produces a silver-like finish however you can add dyes during the process to change the colour of the coating as it forms.
Anodising in everyday products
Take a look at the iPad, or the iPhone or even the desktops of Apple computers. All of the exterior metal used in their products has been anodised. Now that you know their secret of looking so good maybe it’ll inspire you to design an anodised product?
Contact Dorsetware
As one of the best electroplating companies in Dorset, we pride ourselves on the high level of service that we provide to all of our customers. Take a look at the range of metal finishes we provide on the right hand side, and if we can help with your project, call us on 01202 677 939 or or fill out our online contact form for a no obligation same day quote.