Industrial components must combine high durability with surface aesthetics, especially in industries such as aerospace, automotive and electronics. Aluminium, as one of the most commonly used construction materials, requires appropriate surface treatment to meet these requirements. Aluminium anodising is a process that not only significantly increases the material's resistance, but also gives it visual appeal. At RADMOT, where large-scale CNC machining orders are carried out, anodising plays a key role as part of a comprehensive approach to the production of metal parts.
What is aluminium anodising?
Definition and basics of the anodising process
Aluminium anodising is an electrochemical oxidation process that results in the formation of a durable, porous layer of aluminium oxide on the metal surface. This coating is integral to the base material, which distinguishes it from mechanically applied coatings. The result is durability while maintaining low weight and high aesthetics. Anodising of aluminium parts – durability and aesthetics from RADMOT guarantees perfectly finished components.
Differences between anodising and other surface treatment methods
Unlike painting or electroplating, the anodising process provides a coating that is resistant to flaking, scratching and UV radiation. In addition, the anodising process provides durable protection without the use of organic or paint coatings, although it may affect the thermal and electrical conductivity of the material.
How does anodising affect the durability of components?
Increased corrosion resistance
The anodic layer protects aluminium from environmental influences, including moisture and chemicals. Technical (i.e. hard) anodising is used for components exposed to intensive use and changing weather conditions. It is therefore an effective protection against corrosion.
For less stressed components, soft anodising is used, which also improves corrosion resistance while maintaining greater flexibility and allowing for more intense colours. At RADMOT, the colour range includes as many as 12 basic colours and their shades.
Improved hardness and abrasion resistance
Hard anodising increases the microhardness of the surface to 400-600 HV, which significantly reduces wear under friction conditions. This is crucial for parts operating in moving systems.
Resistance to high temperatures and UV radiation
Anodised coatings retain their mechanical and colour properties even at elevated temperatures. Colour anodising is thermally stable and resistant to solar radiation, which translates into the longevity of components.
Aesthetic advantages of anodised aluminium
Possibility of obtaining various colours and finishes
The aluminium anodising process allows for a wide range of colours to be obtained - from natural to intense colours. Black aluminium anodising is popular, as is decorative anodising for consumer equipment.
Colour and gloss durability
The colour obtained as a result of anodising is resistant to fading, and the surface can be matt, semi-matt or glossy. This gives designers and R&D departments the freedom to create durable, visually appealing components. Aluminium anodising – protection and aesthetics of components; see how RADMOT does it.
Impact on product design and appeal
Anodised aluminium enhances the perceived quality of the end product. Especially in the household appliances and consumer electronics industries, colour anodising is a standard premium finish, as surface aesthetics are of great importance here.
The use of anodised aluminium in industry
Automotive industry
Used in engine covers, suspension components and vehicle interior details. Hard anodising ensures durability, while natural (colourless) anodising improves aesthetics.
Aviation industry
Structural parts and cabin components require lightweight, corrosion-resistant components. Anodising guarantees durability in extreme conditions, and our machine park ensures precision workmanship. Professional CNC milling – check out our services.
Electronics and household appliances
Decorative anodising increases the attractiveness and resistance of housings, heat sinks and structural details. This enables standardisation of appearance and functional protection.
Construction and architecture
Facades, fittings and decorative elements are often anodised to ensure a uniform appearance and resistance to external factors. Colour anodising of aluminium allows architects greater design freedom.
The anodising process step by step
Preparation of the aluminium surface
Contaminants, oxides and scratches are removed from the surface. Degreasing and etching are used to ensure a uniform texture and cleanliness of the metal.
Electrolytic process
The aluminium is placed in an electrolytic bath, usually with sulphuric acid, where a controlled oxide layer is formed under the influence of electric current. The thickness of the coating is determined by the time and temperature.
Optional colouring
The anodic coating can be coloured using absorption, electrolytic or interference methods. Popular colours include black, gold, red and blue. Anodising aluminium black is one of the most popular options.
Sealing the anodic coating
In order to protect the pores of the coating, a sealing process is used, most often in hot water or steam. This is the final stage that increases the durability of the coating and its resistance to chemical agents.
Why choose aluminium anodising?
Economic and environmental benefits
Anodising is a process with low environmental impact - it does not contain heavy metals and generates minimal waste. The long service life of components translates into less frequent replacement and lower operating costs.
Comparison with other surface finishing methods
Unlike painting, aluminium anodising does not require the application of additional layers, does not chip and does not discolour under UV exposure. The durability of the coating and mechanical resistance are significantly higher.
Examples of successful applications of anodised aluminium
Anodised components from RADMOT are used in products from leading brands. Anodising aluminium parts has improved their service life and functional properties, while meeting aesthetic requirements and quality standards. Combined with our machining capabilities, anodising perfectly complements our range of cutting services. Precision CNC turning – see what we offer and how we comprehensively implement even the most demanding projects.
Aluminium anodising – durability and aesthetics of components. Summary
Aluminium anodising is a process that increases the durability, corrosion resistance and aesthetics of industrial components. Thanks to the possibility of colouring, the colour range of anodising covers a wide range of finishes - from natural to intense colours such as black or red, making it an attractive choice in the automotive, aerospace and electronics industries.
At RADMOT, anodising is an integral part of our modern approach to metalworking. Discover our modern CNC machine park, which enables us to carry out complex projects with the highest level of precision. If you are interested in aluminium anodising and the price, it depends on the type of process, colour and size of the series. Would you like to know more? Send us an enquiryand we will prepare an individual quote for your project.
