Spotlight on Aero TMF’s Anodizing Services
Did you know that Aero TMF provides anodizing services?
Many customers rely on us for painting, but we also offer a wide range of precision metal surface treatments—including two types of anodize.
Here’s how our anodizing process works and why you should trust our shop for this service.
What Is Anodizing?
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that coats a part’s surface with a protective oxide layer to enhance its durability and aesthetic appearance. Anodize is commonly applied to aluminum parts but can also be applied to other metals, such as titanium. Aero TMF offers two types of anodize: Sulfuric Anodize Type II (dyed) and Hard Anodize Type III (dyed).
Sulfuric Anodize Type II (dyed)
Sulfuric Anodize Type II involves submerging parts in a sulphuric acid bath and creates a slightly thicker coating than Type I (Chromic Acid Anodize). In addition, Type II is safer, less expensive, and more energy-efficient than Type I.
Non-conductive and corrosion-resistant, Type II is commonly used in defense and aerospace metal finishing, such as for hydraulic and military weapon applications.
Hard Anodize Type III (dyed)
Hard Anodize Type III also coats parts in a sulphuric acid bath but at relatively high concentrations and low temperatures. It creates a much thicker coating than Type II, offering the benefits of a smoother, harder finish and superior wear resistance.
Type III is exceptionally durable and abrasion-resistant, which makes it ideal for many defense applications. We frequently recommend this anodize type for parts that rub against other parts or are exposed to the elements.
Anodizing Services for Functional Purposes
In addition to benefits like durability, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance, anodizing a part’s surface also helps to mitigate conductivity, which is especially crucial for many defense and aerospace metal finishing projects.
For example, airplane parts must be non-conductive to protect the aircraft in the event that lightning strikes. Because aluminum is highly conductive, aluminum parts may be anodized to create electrical insulation and limit conductivity.
Additionally, aluminum parts in aerospace applications are often placed near electrical wires. If the current escapes the wire and hits the part, the part’s internal structures could become damaged. Anodizing these parts provides the necessary protection to avoid this outcome.
Anodizing Services for Cosmetic Purposes
Parts are often anodized for cosmetic purposes, as anodize is available in a variety of beautiful colors and provides an attractive finish.
However, selecting an anodize color isn’t quite as straightforward as selecting a wet paint or powder coat color. With wet paint and powder coat, it’s possible to choose a specific color and shade. With anodize, you can call out a specific color—blue, for example—but the shade of blue will depend on the thickness of the coating.
If you need a specific shade, we can provide samples of the part with different anodize thicknesses to show you the color variations. Keep in mind, however, that there are some cases when adding a thicker coating to achieve a desired shade isn’t possible due to a part’s specifications.
In these cases, powder coating the part after anodizing is an option. Aero TMF has in-house powder coating capabilities and can apply a powder coated finish in the exact shade you need—an offering that differentiates us from many other anodize vendors.
Aero TMF Is the #1 Choice for Anodizing Services
As a one-stop shop for metal surface treatments, Aero TMF is proud to provide a comprehensive range of services to deliver a frictionless experience.
In addition to supplementing our anodizing services with powder coating capabilities, we specialize in complex masking and can ensure that your parts are masked to precise specifications pre-anodizing.
Contact us today to request a quote for our anodizing services.
