Sulfuric anodizing

aluminumfor aeronauticsmilitary

Anodizing Anodizing is the process of creating an aluminum oxide coating by making an aluminum part anodic while suspended in an electrolyte. The electrolyte most commonly used is 15% by weight sulfuric acid; however chromic acid is sometimes used for aircraft parts. The process takes anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour, and the thickness ranges from .3 mils to 2 mils. The aluminum oxide coating that is produced is porous by nature and has the ability to adsorb dye or exhibit an excellent anchor profile for paint. It can be also be sealed if these properties are non-desirable. Below is the most common specification for anodizing. MIL-A-8625 Type II - Sulfuric Acid Class 1 – Clear Sulfuric acid anodizing produces an oxide coating on aluminum alloys that increases corrosion resistance and may also be used as a base for paint coatings. Other uses are for limited abrasion resistance, electrical insulation and for decorative purposes. Conventional sulfuric acid anodizing is most useful making aluminum parts more attractive and more corrosion resistant. The natural appearance of the aluminum oxide film is near transparent, and left as-is, it is known as clear anodizing. This is the most economical form of anodizing. The typical thickness ranges from .3 to .7 mils.