Aluminium Anodising: What It Is and the Benefits It Has to Offer

From automobiles to aerospace, electronics to solar panels, and roofing and roof guttering systems to doors and windows, aluminium fabricated products have a place in virtually every industry. However, these products are not created the same because they are used in different environments and conditions. One of the most common finishing options available for aluminium fabricated products is anodising.

If you want to learn about what aluminium anodising is and the benefits it has to offer, continue reading on below.

What Is Aluminium Anodising?

In its natural state, aluminium is a highly reactive metal. When exposed to air, aluminium reacts with oxygen to form a chemically inactive coating of aluminium oxide on its surface. However, the protective layer is usually too thin to provide the substrate metal with the required level of protection. For this reason, there is a need to improve or "grow" the aluminium oxide coating. Aluminium anodising is a metal surface treatment that involves the use of electricity and a chemical solution (an electrolyte) to improve the inert aluminium oxide layer so that the anodised aluminium is harder and more durable. 

What Are the Benefits of Aluminium Anodising?

Durability: Corrosion is one of the archenemies of most metals. By virtue of making the inert aluminium oxide layer thicker and harder, anodising helps increase the corrosion resistance as well as the wear resistance of aluminium fabricated products, thus increasing their longevity.

Aesthetics: Aluminium anodising is not just meant to improve the corrosion and wear resistance of aluminium products, but also add to the beauty of the products. When anodised, aluminium has a lustrous metallic appearance that can be restored by cleaning with water and mild detergent. But the anodic finishing may come in different shades of colour depending on the type of aluminium alloy used.

Health and environmental safety: Anodised aluminium is not detrimental to human health or the environment. An anodised finish is chemically inactive and heat-resistant to aluminium's melting point, meaning the finish is non-toxic.  

Cost effectiveness: Compared to competing finishes such as painted coatings, the initial cost and maintenance cost of anodised aluminium is generally lower. When the life-cycle value of the finish is taken into consideration, it can prove to be by far a cheaper option. 

Having read through the above information, you probably now have a better understanding of why anodised aluminium products are one of the most highly sought-after aluminium fabricated products. If you ever need to choose from the various finishes available for aluminium fabricated products, you have a heads-up on anodised aluminium. Contact a company that specialises in aluminium fabrications for more information.

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