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Anodizing aluminum alloys is one of the most durable post-treatment methods. This process improves the look and work of CNC machined parts. It also promotes adhesion between primer and glue in die-cast and extruded aluminum parts. Today, anodized aluminum alloys are among the most popular materials in consumer, industrial, and commercial products. Here's a closer look at the benefits of anodized aluminum alloys for CNC machining, die casting, and extrusion.

What is anodized aluminum alloy process?

We anodize aluminum alloys to produce parts with exceptional durability. At Concord, we use an electrochemical process to produce anodized aluminum. The process entails dipping the metal in a series of tanks, and eventually, the anode layer in one of the tanks ends up allowing the metal itself to grow.

Since the anode layer is formed from aluminum, the natural process is ultimately well controlled. This is different from painting and coating. The anodized coating is thus durable, hard and does not peel. In addition, it is not prone to wear and tear under normal conditions.

While we can anodize other non-ferrous metals, aluminum is by far the most popular. Anodized aluminum is 60% lighter than other metals such as copper and stainless steel, and the treated metal is also three times harder than the raw material.

How do we anodize aluminum parts?

Anodized aluminum for CNC machining

To properly anodize aluminum parts for CNC machining, die casting and extrusion, we first clean and rinse the surface, then we immerse the aluminum part in an electrolyte containing chromic and sulfuric acid, a step that promotes the aluminum surface Formation of micropores. Many positive and negative ions also form on the conductive coating.

We continue to apply current through the medium and add the cathode, which causes the acid bound to the aluminum to release oxygen ions. The barrier layer is formed by a combination of the aluminum surface and anions, and this layer makes the aluminum part resistant to corrosion.

The usual thickness is between 0.1 and 1.0 mm. If desired, we can apply colors at this stage. In any case, we do this by closing the nanopores and any microcracks in the oxide layer with a sealant, and the tinting process entails injecting paint into the holes of the part.

We then seal it to retain the selected color after the paint reaches the surface, which creates a fairly long lasting color that won't scratch off easily and won't fade. The color is often so dark that grinding off the substrate is the only way to remove it.

CNC machined anodizing

Anodized, machined aluminum components are popular in the consumer electronics industry for their strength and durability, yet attractive. Anodizing makes it easier to add color to machined aluminum parts because the anodized outer layer is highly porous, dyes and colors find their way through the porous parts and are less likely to chip or peel. This is because they are embedded in the solid exterior of the metal parts.

Extrusion of anodized aluminum alloy

Extrusion requires forcing molten material through gaps in the die, which produces elongated parts with a continuous profile. Anodized aluminum extrusions are highly effective in manufacturing functional parts with complex cross-sections and premium surface finishes. However, its scope is limited because the cross-section of the entire part must be consistent.

Aluminum extrusion often involves ductile, ductile and machinable grades of aluminum, which we can then CNC machine to machine the extruded part. Extruded anodized aluminum parts are a great way to make parts with complex cross-sections.

Die-cast anodized aluminum

Die casting involves pressing molten metal into a mold cavity under high pressure. We mainly use the process of manufacturing parts in high volume because the required tool steel molds are expensive to manufacture. Besides aluminum, magnesium, steel and zinc are other commonly used die casting metals. Anodized aluminum provides excellent surface finish and dimensional consistency when die cast.

These advantages add to the advantages of CNC machining anodized aluminum parts. By die-casting anodized aluminum and further cutting through CNC machining, we create parts with amazing surface finishes, and we can also create parts with more complex geometries.

What are the benefits of anodized aluminum parts?

1. Durability

The polar oxidation causes the aluminum-based material to change at the molecular level, the anodized part is not easy to peel or fall off, and has strong corrosion resistance. Anodized aluminum is 3 times harder than regular aluminum.

2. High cost, low value

Anodized aluminum is lighter than other metals, so shipping costs are lower. It also offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, resulting in a lower total cost per square foot, and it has a longer lifespan than comparable painted or plated parts.

3. Environmental protection

Aluminium is the only metal that is 100% recyclable. Unlike electroplating and spraying, anodizing is also an environmentally friendly process. Anodizing does not generate hazardous waste or interfere with the recyclability of aluminum.

4. Easy to maintain

Water, soap or mild detergent is sufficient to remove grime and restore dirty anodized parts to a clean state.

With our many years of experience in manufacturing precision parts, we consider anodizing to be a reliable finishing process. Xiehe offers anodizing for CNC machined, die cast and extruded aluminum parts, if you have any questions, please contact us in any times.