Anodising: materials, appearance and costs
Anodising aluminium converts its surface into an oxide layer. Alloy, preparation and intended function affect the result as much as colour.
Distinguish decorative and technical requirements
Anodising is not ordinary painting. The surface can have decorative and technical roles. Hard anodising may suit some heavily loaded aluminium components. State use and specifications rather than just asking for maximum hardness. Surface, critical dimensions and subsequent treatments need assessment together. The specialist defines the specification for the actual part.
State alloy and starting condition
Aluminium is the typical substrate. Alloy and manufacture affect appearance and quality; not every aluminium gives the same decorative result. Titanium can also undergo suitable anodic treatments but needs its own assessment. Ordinary steel is not an equivalent anodising job. State material, alloy, existing treatment and manufacturing condition. If details are missing, the firm may recommend inspection or sampling.
Preparation determines surface appearance
Grinding, brushing, polishing, blasting and chemical preparation give different results. Anodising does not automatically eliminate scratches or manufacturing marks. Specify desired appearance and acceptable marks. Samples and agreed criteria help with visible parts. Clarify whether and how old layers must be removed. Further processing may cause additional dimensional changes.
| Goal | Agree beforehand |
|---|---|
| Visible surface | Preparation, sample and permitted marks |
| Technical surface | Layer specification and critical final dimensions |
| Existing part | Existing treatment and necessary removal |
Approve colour using real samples
Aluminium oxide layers can be coloured depending on the process. Alloy, preparation and layer also affect results. The same colour name does not guarantee matching appearance across different parts. Approve matching visible parts together where possible. State a reference or colour preference; screen colours do not replace samples. Clarify titanium appearance and requirements separately.
Define fits and contact points beforehand
Treatment can affect final dimensions. Mark fits, threads and untreated areas. Holding contacts are necessary and may be visible, so placement matters. Agree electrical functional surfaces explicitly. A general accuracy claim does not replace the part-specific agreement. Required reports and packaging form part of scope too.
Preparation, count and specification determine price
Material, size, geometry and count affect calculation. Mechanical preparation, stripping anodising, colour, masking and technical requirements may add work. Identical parts differ from varied alloys and specifications. Compare total and delivered condition including checks, packaging and transport. A specific building profile or one supplier’s price is not a general anodising rate.
| Comparison point | Check in the quote |
|---|---|
| Material | Same alloy and condition |
| Specification | Preparation, colour appearance and layer specification |
| Function | Contact points, masking and final dimensions |
| Complete scope | Inspection, packaging, transport and VAT |
State known specifications and clarify unknowns
Describe parts, sizes, material and use. Give known colour or layer specifications, existing treatment and sensitive areas. For different parts, group count and specification per type. Do not guess an alloy or calculate the process. The specialist clarifies preparation, unknown details and possible samples.
Frequently asked questions
Is anodising a paint finish?
No. Aluminium’s surface is converted into oxide. Colour and preparation must suit this.
Does every aluminium alloy look the same?
No. Alloy and manufacture affect appearance. Agreed samples help with visible parts.
Is it possible for titanium?
Suitable specialists anodise titanium. Assess requirements and specification separately from aluminium.
Must I choose hard anodising?
No. Describe demands and specifications. The firm recommends a suitable specification.
Are contact marks invisible?
Not automatically. They may remain visible; agree suitable locations beforehand.
Can used parts be re-anodised?
It may be possible. Assess material, old layer, necessary removal and remaining dimensions.
