Hard Anodizing or Hardcoat is an electrochemically produced grey layer of hard aluminum oxide on the surface of aluminum components. The coating grows integrally with the base metal and is corrosion and wear resistant and machinable. The thickness can be very closely controlled and be applied to a wide range of parts to suit applications from many industries.
Hard Anodizing is produced by specialist finishing companies, many of whom are members of the IHAA. The film is built up by a process of anodic oxidation in a cooled acid electrolyte thus preventing any thermal or physical distortion of precision engineered components. Secondary treatment such as impregnation with solid film lubricants and colored dyes are available.
These are dependent upon alloy type and the process specification will typically give details of:
Hard Anodizing is a well-established process suitable for meeting today's demanding quality requirements. National and International standards provide a basis for the specification, production, and testing of the coating. To ensure a satisfactory product it is important that the customer works closely with the Anodized at the specification stage on:
All members of the IHAA have chemical and physical testing facilities that will ensure compliance with MIL, ISO, and numerous other standards.
Hard Anodizing finishes have an established reputation in a wide variety of applications. Major user industry sectors include: