What is Anodized Aluminium?

The unique combination of strength, lightweight and corrosion resistance makes aluminium an essential material in a wide array of industries. However, as versatile as aluminium is, there is still room for improvement.

This is where anodising comes in, a process that enhances the natural properties of aluminium and transforms it into an advanced material.

This blog will explore the details on anodized aluminium, covering what is anodized aluminium, the benefits of anodized aluminium, anodized aluminium uses and more.

What is Anodized Aluminium?

Anodized aluminium is a type of aluminium that has been treated with an electrochemical process called anodising. Under this process, aluminium is immersed in an acid electrolyte tank and then an electric current is passed through it to oxidise it.

This forms a thick, porous oxide layer on the surface of aluminium, converting it into a durable, corrosion-resistant and attractive material.

Since the anodic layer grows from aluminium itself, it secures a strong and lasting bond with aluminium and hence does not flake, peel or chip even in harsh environmental conditions.

How is Coil Anodized Aluminium Different?

● Better Quality: Due to continuous processing, coil anodized aluminium features a uniform finish that eliminates the risk of uneven textures and other defects.

● Lower Processing Costs: The manufacturing of anodized aluminium does not involve multiple handling and processing steps. This reduces labour costs and makes it a pocket-friendly alternative for large-scale productions.

● Colour and Finish Consistency: As every square inch of the material is exposed to the same treatment conditions, coil anodized aluminium boasts a consistent colour tone and finish.

● Not Susceptible to Fading: Unlike other colour-coated metals, coil-anodized aluminium features a natural anodic layer that retains its appearance over time, resisting fading, discolouring, cracking and other similar degradations.

What are the Benefits of Anodized Aluminium?

➢ Durability: The thick, porous layer formed on anodized aluminium serves as a barrier against corrosion, wear and tear and damages arising from heavy use, harsh environments or extreme climatic conditions. This makes the material highly durable and resistant.

➢ Appearance: The anodising process enhances the natural texture of aluminium, giving it a beautiful and distinctive look that is not only decorative but also durable and long-lasting.

➢ Custom Colour Options: The aluminium oxide layer can be dyed with a wide range of colours during anodizing. This possibility unlocks a spectrum of custom colour options for coil anodized aluminium, ranging from soft tones to rich hues and everything in between.

➢ Lightweight: Due to the inherent properties of aluminium, anodized aluminium stays exceptionally lightweight even after anodising. This makes anodized aluminium a suitable option for applications where lightweight design is crucial without compromising integrity.

➢ Cost: Another benefit of anodized aluminium is that when compared to other materials with similar durability and strength, anodized aluminium is relatively pocket-friendly.

Anodized Aluminium Uses

Architecture

Features such as corrosion resistance, low strength-to-weight ratio, durability and aesthetic appeal make anodized aluminium an ideal choice for architectural applications.

Some of the ways it can be used in architecture are:

● Exterior facades

● Roofing

● Window and door frames

● Partitions

● Column covers

● Signage, etc.

Transportation

Owing to its unique blend of properties, anodized aluminium is widely used in the transportation industry. For example- 

● In the aerospace industry, anodized aluminium is used to build aircraft structures, engine parts, hardware components, etc.

● In the automotive industry, this type of aluminium is used in vehicle bodies, engine components, gearboxes and wheel hubs.

● In the marine industry, anodized aluminium is used in shipbuilding, marine hardware, fittings, accessories and more.

Consumer Goods

There are many anodized aluminium uses in consumer goods, including:

● Home decor

● Furniture

● Electronics

● Cookware

● Appliances

● Toys

● Musical instruments

Conclusion

Anodized aluminium is an incredible material that is changing various industries with its outstanding characteristics, such as commendable strength, exceptional durability and sophisticated finish.

So, if you are looking for a strong, durable and versatile material, look no further than Viva ACP, a renowned supplier of anodized Aluminium Composite Panels (ACPs) that combine German technology and years of expertise.

You May Also Like to Read: Aloxide & Viva ACP: Transforming Architecture with Anodized Aluminium Compsite Panels