Anodising of aluminium

High durability and aesthetic value

PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Anodising is the process of producing an aluminium oxide coating on the surface of small parts
and aluminium profiles. The anodic layer is closely connected to the surface of the element,
which also can be coloured. 70% of the coating penetrates into the material and 30% grows out.

RESULT
The coating has a protective function against
external factors, even as aggressive as acid rain
or sea water. It also has high aesthetic qualities.
The coating can be coloured by chemical
or electrochemical method, depending
on the desired colour.

SUBJECT TO THE PROCESS

The properties and appearance of the oxide
coating predominantly depend on the input
material (type of alloy and the state of aluminium
hardening – table), method of manufacturing and
preperation of the product surface.

INDUSTRIES
Aviation, construction, electronics / household
appliances, automotive, sports and many others.

CONSULTING
We advise on the choice of material, so that the
final result can meet the expectations of even the
most demanding customers. For further advice,
contact our consultant.

WE KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ALUMINUM ... FOR 30 YEARS

 Colouring of aluminium
A wide range of colors

PROCESS DESCRIPTION
We dye aluminium using two methods: chemical and electrochemical. Chemical colouring of aluminium coatings
consists in immersing them in a specific dye for a defined period of time, depending on the desired colour intensity.
The dye is absorbed into the oxide layer, creating a deep colour effect on aluminium. Electrochemical dying is much
more complicated and requires the use of several technologies.

EFFECT – ELECTROCHEMICAL DYING

It is the method that enables to achieve colour films with many shades of brown and the colour that imitates
appearance of stainless steel. The colours achieved by means of electrochemical process are very resistant to
the effect of light. Films applied through electrochemical process are perfectly suitable for outdoor applications,
due to their high resistance to corrosion. Available colours:

Light brown (C33) Dark brown (C34) Black (C35) Gold (Z33) Stainless steel (Inox)

EFFECT – CHEMICAL DYING

Coatings subjected to colourisation by means of chemical processes perfectly prove themselves in applications,
where decorative properties are crucial factors. The applicability of coatings for outdoor applications depends on
such factors, as the base material, thickness of the applied film and the selected colour. One has to be aware that
shades of final colours may differ for various grades of base aluminium. Available colours:

Black (C35) Green (G1) Blue (B1) Light Gold (Z32) Orange (O1) Red (R1)

EFFECT – COLOURLESS ANODIZING

Silver (C0)

ATTENTION: In mass production, we create custom-made colour. For further information, please contact our sales department.

WE KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ALUMINUM ... FOR 30 YEARS

 Colouring of aluminium
A wide range of colors

SUBJECT TO THE PROCESS

The colour of the oxide coating on aluminium depends on the type of input material. The importance lies
in the type and content of alloying elements in the input material, as well as the conditions for obtaining
the product. We carry out colourization of aluminium products by means of two methods, with regard to
the base material and the desired final effect:
• the most homogenous coatings can be achieved on materials
that have been mechanically deformed or subjected
to thermal homogenization,
• purely colourless coatings can be achieved
only in case when pure aluminium is
the base material for anodising.

Use of high-alloy materials as base metals

makes the applied coatings more or less grey.
Improper homogenization of alloys may lead
to formation of stains and various discolorations
on the metal surface.
Thickness of oxygen layers formed on the aluminium
surface depends on the conditions of the anodising
process, as well as on composition and structure of
the base material. For low-alloy materials and workpieces
made of pure aluminium the possible thickness of oxidised
layers may vary from 5 to 25 μm, depending on the customer's
needs.
The hardness of coatings substantially depends on the parameters
of the anodising process. For conventional coatings, the hardness
ranges from 100 to 300 HV 0.05.
There is the rule that colourisation is the most efficient for coating
applied onto pure aluminium (1xxx) or low-alloy materials (5xxx, 6xxx).
On the other hand, alloys with high content of copper (2xxx) or zinc (7xxx)
are quite difficult for application of colours. Cast alloys with the content
of silicon above 3% are not suitable for anodising at all.

WE KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ALUMINUM ... FOR 30 YEARS

 Hard anodising of aluminium
Steel strength, lightweight of aluminum

PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Hard anodised coatings on aluminium and its alloys are formed during the process of electrolytic oxidation in
acid electrolytes, under accurately adjusted conditions of temperature and electric current. The coating is formed
in such a way, that half of its thickness penetrates into the base material and the other half builds up externally

RESULT
When compared to conventional anodised films, coatings formed during the process of hard anodising are much
thicker, which demonstrate much better resistance to wear. Depending on the type and condition of the base
material, the achievable thickness of hard anodised films may range from 25 µm to 250 µm. Colours of hard
anodised coatings depend on types of the base material and thickness of the built-up film. Generally, the colours
include various shades of brown and grey. With very thick coatings, it is also possible to achieve black colour of
the film.
PROPERTIES OF HARD ANODISED COATINGS
• Very high resistance to wear and abrasion.
• Perfect resistance to corrosion (1000 to 1500 h in a saline chamber).
• Excellent hardness (380-550 HV 0.025).
• Optimum antifriction properties.
• High resistance to electric breakdown (1500 V at the film thickness of 50 µm).
• Resistance to high temperatures (up to 2000ºC at short-term exposure).
• Excellent properties of thermal insulation (1/10 to 1/30 of thermal conductivity
demonstrated by the base material).

SUBJECT TO THE PROCESS

The properties and appearance of the oxide coating mainly depend on the base material (type of alloy and degree
of aluminium hardening – table), the method of manufacturing and preperation of the product surface.
NOTE: If the alloy type and condition are incorrectly defined, the components may be damaged.

SPECIALISED INDUSTRIES
Hard anodising is often used in specialised industries:
• Pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders • Chirurgical instruments • Household equipment
• Pistons and injection moulds • Toothed transmission gears • Automotive industry
• Valves, nozzles and belt pulleys • Heating plates • Aviation industry

WE KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ALUMINUM ... FOR 30 YEARS

 Electropolishing of aluminium
Perfect gloss

PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Electrochemical polishing (electrolyte polishing) is the process that enables finishing of the metal surface,
so that a smooth and spectacularly shining surface of the treated metal is achieved. To reach the best possible
result, it is recommended to perform abrasive grinding and polishing of the material at first, and then subject
the surface to electrolytic treatment.

RESULT
Following the aforementioned sequence of
processing and using an alloy recommended
for electropolishing, you will obtain a perfectly
shiny surface. Use the following aluminium grades,
as base metal guarantees mirror-like shine of
the polished surfaces.
EN-AB-1199 EN-AB-1030 EN-AW-5505
EN-AW-5657 EN-AW-5210 EN-AW-5252
EN-AW-6201 EN-AW-6463 EN-AW-6060 (Fe<0.15%)
If any other material shall be used, please contact our
Sales department.

SUBJECT TO THE PROCESS

The effect of electrochemical polishing depends on: the composition and structure of the processed
material (table with alloys), the degree of hardening of the material, prior surface preparation.
We polish profiles and small elements.

INDUSTRIES
Electropolishing is often used in specialised
industries:
• Automotive industry
• Shower cabins
• Components for packing of cosmetics
• Reflectors for lamps and electronic components
• Furniture accessories
• Components for casings of electronic equipment

WE KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ALUMINUM ... FOR 30 YEARS

 Mechanical surface treatment
of steel and aluminium

PROCESS DESCRIPTION
We treat the surface of aluminum and steel using three methods, depending on the result.
We offer a brushing method, glass bead blasting and mechanical polishing.

RESULT
Mechanical treatment is used to cover material defects (even quite deep scratches and scores) left after
production processes, and to obtain an interesting finish with high aesthetic values. We use different
methods of mechanical treatment.

BRUSHING METHOD (E2)

We perform surface brushing in various variants (Med., Hard, P120 and P80). We process flat
elements and pipes using this method. Maximum brushing width on a flat surface: 170 mm.
Maximum brushing diameter for pipes: 180 mm.

GLASS BEAD BLASTING (S1)

To achieve matt appearance of finished surfaces, we offer the perfect solution that consists in
pressurised shotblasting of surfaces with use of glass balls (SZK. 200 and KOR).
Dimensions of the shotblasting chamber: 800x870x640 mm

MECHANICAL POLISHING (POL)

To achieve shining surfaces, in particular before electrochemical polishing,
we suggest preliminary polishing (POL).

CUTTING ALUMINUM PROFILES

Maximum cross-section 140x100 mm
Cutting at the angle of 90°
Minimum length of sections: 50 mm
Accuracy:

Note! All services are carried out to order, according to individual customer's needs.

WE KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ALUMINUM ... FOR 30 YEARS

 New INOX
Appearance of stainless steel, advantages of aluminum

PROCESS DESCRIPTION
INOX technology, meaning anodising aluminium to the colour of stainless steel, is a two-stage process.
The anodising process is followed by electro-dyeing. The obtained coating, especially on previously
polished or brushed surfaces, gives the appearance of stainless steel.

RESULT
The coating made using the INOX method shows very high resistance to UV radiation and temperature
(up to 130°C). It is also characterised by very high corrosion resistance, while not conducting
electricity. Aluminium is a metal almost three times lighter than stainless steel, therefore, in many
industries, the use of aluminium coloured like stainless steel will be a more advantageous solution
than just stainless steel.

SUBJECT TO THE PROCESS

This process applies to 1000, 5000 and 6000 series aluminum alloys.

INDUSTRIES
Aluminium coloured like stainless steel (INOX) can be used in construction: as building facades,
bathroom or kitchen fittings. It can also be used in widely understood household appliances, as well as
in the furniture and electronics industries.

WE KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ALUMINUM ... FOR 30 YEARS