The difference between hard anodizing and normal anodizing
April 19,2023
Anodizing is a surface treatment technology used to increase the hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of metal surfaces. The main differences between hard anodizing and normal anodizing are in their processing process, reaction conditions, and physical properties of the oxide hardening film produced.
1. Different processing processes: Hard anodizing (Hard Anodizing) is a high-pressure anodizing of high-purity aluminum alloy or aluminum wheel hub, usually in sulfuric acid or oxalic acid electrolyte, which can produce an oxide layer with a thickness of 25 microns or thicker. Traditional anodizing treatment (Normal Anodizing) can process aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, titanium alloy, and other materials. The treatment liquid can be adjusted by special formula to produce an oxide layer with a thickness less than 25 microns.
2. Different reaction conditions: Hard anodizing usually requires higher voltage and current density, as well as lower temperature and pH value to promote the formation of oxide layer. In addition, various additives such as sulfates, fluorides, phosphates, etc. are usually added in hard anodizing to improve the oxidation efficiency and increase the thickness and hardness of the oxide layer.
3. Different physical properties of the oxide layer: Hard anodizing can produce extremely hard and wear-resistant oxide layers with high wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and protection. The products of normal anodizing treatment are relatively soft and easy to wear and peel off, and the density, hardness, and corrosion resistance of the oxide layer are not as good as those of hard anodizing products.
In conclusion, the main differences between hard anodizing and normal anodizing are in the processing process (involving materials, liquid composition, and specific reaction conditions), physical properties of the oxide layer, application, etc. Hard anodizing is a highly engineered surface treatment technology suitable for applications requiring extremely high wear and corrosion resistance, such as high-end vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, and mechanical equipment.
Saige provides our customers with quality die casting manufacturing and also included good surface treatment like shot blasting, powder coating, anodization, PEO(MAO), ceramic coating, etc.