Hard anodizing

aluminumaluminum alloymedical

Aluminum Surface Treatment is a suite of precision finishing services for aluminum parts, integrated tightly with ultra-precision CNC machining to deliver both dimensional accuracy and optimal surface performance for high-end applications.

Services offered

• Functional Hard Anodizing (Type III) — dense, ceramic-like oxide for extreme wear resistance and dielectric properties.
• Standard Anodizing (Type II) — porous, dye-able layer for corrosion resistance and cosmetic color.
• Precision Decorative & Protective Coatings — powder and liquid coatings with automated electrostatic spray, custom color matching (RAL/Pantone) and specialized textures (matte, sand, gloss).
• Ultra-Mirror Polishing & Chemical Brightening — mechanical polishing combined with electrolytic polishing to achieve near-optical finishes and ultra-low Ra for optics, fluid systems, and clean-room parts.
• Electrolytic Polishing — material leveling to reduce Ra, improve cleanability and reflectivity.
• Surface Engineering & Pre-Treatment — controlled bead blasting (glass, ceramic, aluminum oxide) to create defined surface profiles and enhance adhesion; passivation and chemical conversion (Chromate/Alodine) to provide conductivity and corrosion protection.
• PTFE-impregnated sealing options for reduced friction where required.

Core process characteristics (from specification table)

• Hard Anodizing (Type III): Core Characteristic — thick, ceramic-hard layer; Performance Boost — extreme wear resistance, electrical insulation; Typical Applications — harmonic drive shells, cam indexer housings, robotics, pistons.
• Standard Anodizing (Type II): Core Characteristic — porous, dye-able layer; Performance Boost — corrosion resistance and cosmetic color; Typical Applications — automation brackets, electronic enclosures, consumer goods.
• Electrolytic Polishing: Core Characteristic — material removal (leveling); Performance Boost — ultra-low Ra, improved cleanability and reflectivity; Typical Applications — medical devices, optical mounts, fluid control systems.
• Chemical Conversion: Core Characteristic — conductive film; Performance Boost — corrosion shield, paint base, conductivity; Typical Applications — aerospace avionics, grounding points, internal chassis.
• Precision Powder Coating: Core Characteristic — polymer resin cure; Performance Boost — impact resistance, weatherability, aesthetics; Typical Applications — heavy machinery covers, outdoor equipment, structural frames.

Industry focus and application highlights

• Aerospace & Defense — MIL‑SPEC capable hard anodizing and chemical conversion for thin-walled and critical aerospace parts; rigorous QA with gear inspection machines and CMMs.
• Medical & Life Sciences — validated passivation and electropolishing processes to enable biocompatibility, sterilization resistance and repeated autoclave cycles.
• High-End Automation & Robotics — low-friction hard coatings and precision finishing to preserve tight assembly fits and subsystem accuracy over millions of cycles.

Caractéristiques / spécifications techniques

• Integrated capability: surface treatment combined with ultra-precision CNC machining (sub-micron preparation).
• Ultra-precision machining tolerance referenced: up to ±0.002 mm pairing with surface finishing workflows (e.g., super mirror finishing).
• Preparation equipment examples: Seibu Wire WEDM (M50B), Brother CNC lathes; large horizontal machining centers used for large-format parts.
• Measurement & QA: in-house gear inspection machines and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to verify dimensional and surface specifications.
• Hard Anodizing performance: oxide hardness quoted up to approximately 60–70 Rockwell C (as stated for extreme cases) and options for PTFE impregnation to lower friction.
• Alloy handling: specific rectifier ramp protocols and electrolyte additives for difficult alloys (7000-series aluminum and cast aluminum) to prevent burning and ensure uniform coatings.
• Masking & fixturing: custom CNC-machined masking fixtures and silicone molds for precise masking on complex geometries.
• Surface pre-treatments: controlled bead blasting (glass, ceramic, aluminum oxide), chemical conversion (Chromate/Alodine) for conductivity and adhesion enhancement.
• Finishing processes: mechanical + electrolytic polishing for near-optical finishes; post-process lapping/honing recommended when anodizing could increase micro-roughness on ultra-precision parts.