How-To Guide
How does anodising aluminium work?
Aluminium anodising typically follows five core steps: clean, etch/desmut, anodise, optional colour, and seal. This controlled sequence builds a durable oxide layer that improves corrosion resistance, wear performance, and finish stability for industrial components.
Step-by-Step Anodising Workflow
- Cleaning: Remove oils and shop contaminants to prepare a stable base surface.
- Etch and Desmut: Condition the surface for consistent oxide growth and finish quality.
- Anodising Bath: Form an oxide layer under controlled current density and chemistry.
- Colour (if required): Apply dye for visual or identification requirements.
- Sealing and QA: Seal pores, then verify thickness and finish conformance.
Why Process Control Matters
Anodising quality depends on bath chemistry, temperature, electrical parameters, and handling discipline between each step. Small process drift can affect coating quality and repeatability.
Use defined specifications and inspection checkpoints to align performance with application requirements.