AMFIN SERVICES
Amfin provide Anodise services, a protective and decorative surface treatment for multiple aerospace primes and other industries around the world.
Anodising is an electrolytic passivation process that increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts.
Many metals, such as aluminium, naturally have a protective oxide film. This film forms very quickly in air and protects the metal against corrosion, but it is very thin. The anodising process is used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide film for corrosion protection or increased wear abrasion, improving the performance of the component and extending service life.
Anodising is done on a wide variety of parts from landing gear struts to mountaineering clips and from cladding panels to picture frames.
This process protects the surface of the metal from damage caused by abrasion. The metal will have improved resistance to rust and other causes of wear and tear. The porous surface of the metal can then be coloured with dyes, without the peeling and flaking that could occur with organic paint.
In the process of anodising, the metal part is immersed in an acid electrolyte bath and an electrical current is passed through it. A cathode is placed inside the anodising tank, with the metal acting as the anode. This causes oxygen ions to form and combine with the atoms on the surface of the metal being anodised. This allows a metal oxide film to grow on the surface of the metal being treated.
Conditions during the process, such as acidity, temperature and current are carefully controlled to allow a consistent oxide layer to be formed at the desired thickness and strength.
Before a metal can be anodised it needs to undergo all necessary pre-treatments, which will influence the final anodised coating. The pre-treatments can be chemical surface treatments such as paint stripping and pickling, or mechanical processes such as abrasive blasting. At Amfin, we can handle a range of pre-treatments, contact us to get a quote.
The quality, or thickness will depend on the type and temperature of the electrolyte solution being used.
After a metal has been anodised, the surface of the metal is very porous and easily attracts other materials. At this stage dyes can be added to the metals, and the colour of the metal skin can be changed. Once coloured the pores in the metal are sealed, by dipping the metal into a de-ionised bath.
After anodising components may require sealing. This further improves the components resistance to corrosion. Amfins sealing options are;
For further more info get in touch or contact us to get a quote
PROCESSES & SERVICES | Materials Amfin Can Process | Tank Dimensions (mm) | |||||||||||
NBA Nickel Based Alloys | MA Magnesium Alloys | AA Aluminium Alloys | TA Titanium Alloys | LAS Low Alloy Steels | CBA Copper based alloys | CRS Corrosion Resistant Steels | Com Composites | Length | Width | Depth | Lifting | ||
Anodising | |||||||||||||
| Chromic Anodise | 3650 | 900 | 2000 | 500 | |||||||||
| Sulphuric Anodise | 3650 | 900 | 2000 | 500 | |||||||||
| Hard Anodising | 3650 | 900 | 2000 | 500 | |||||||||
| Tartaric Sulphuric Anodise | 3650 | 900 | 2000 | 500 | |||||||||
At Amfin we offer different types of anodising to suit specific manufacturing requirements. The anodising process can increase corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and provide a better adhesion for paint and glue.
Sulphuric anodising is highly durable and provides high corrosion resistance. The process causes the oxide to form both inside and outside the metal, which leaves a clear finish that can accept a coloured dye. Sulphuric acid anodising can be used for a range of general engineering, or decorative applications, as well as in the defence and aerospace industries.
Hard anodising is a form of sulphuric anodising, where the process is intensified to produce significantly thicker, denser, more durable finish. A hard anodised metal part will feature a much darker decorative finish making it unsuitable for colouring. The wear resistance of a hard anodised metal such as aluminium can be comparable to that of steel and offer a lightweight solution at a lower price.
Chromic anodising produces a thin oxide film which have good corrosion resistance but due to the thickness are not suitable for dyeing. As the chromic anodised film is so thin, it does not affect precision tolerances that are used in the aerospace and defence industries.
Tartaric Sulphuric Anodising (TSA) is commonly used in aerospace and defence applications and provides high corrosion resistance and excellent paint bonding properties. Tartaric sulphuric anodising is more a more environmentally friendly process, making it a good alternative to chromic anodising.
Contact us today for a free quote and find out how Amfin can assist at every stage of production.
The main benefit of anodised metals is that it is highly durable and wear resistant, therefore reducing ongoing maintenance costs.
Anodic coatings are particularly useful to use in high-traffic areas where the metal will be subject to physical abuse and abrasive cleaners. The coatings are integrated with the underlying metal, which prevents the coating from chipping or peeling.
Anodised surfaces do tend to pick up dirt and stains more easily, but the surface is very easy to clean. Using a mild soap for routine maintenance will make the surface look as good as new.
Aluminium alloys are the most common metals to be anodised. Amfin can anodise aluminium, titanium, and magnesium alloys.
Anodised coatings are a highly durable, weather resistant finish that protects the base metal. The lifetime of the finish will depend on the thickness or density of the coating, as well as the quality of the seal.
If you have any further questions on anodising, contact us on:
+44 (0) 1455 637284
Or email:
[email protected]