A look at Sulfuric Anodizing: how it works and where it’s used
Sulfuric anodizing is one of the many types of finishing services that we offer at Reid Metal Finishing. This type of aluminum anodization is unique, offering both excellent durability and aesthetics, making the coating an excellent choice for a wide range of applications.
Type II Anodization
Sulfuric acid anodization, also known as Type II anodizing, is an anodization process that uses sulfuric acid as the primary agent. Like any other anodization process, the aluminum parts are cleaned and rinsed thoroughly to remove any oxide on the surface. Then, they’re placed into an electrolytic bath of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and exposed to an electric current, causing the surface to react and form a highly resistant coating of aluminum oxide on the surface of the part.
Anodization types have been traditionally compared using the thickness of the layer provided and the hardness of the resulting surface. Type II anodizing is popular being right in the middle of the spectrum, with Type I offering the thinnest coating but a less hard surface, and Type III offering high surface hardness, but a much thicker coating. Sulfuric anodizing is right in the middle of these two, offering a fairly thin coating that is hard and resistant to abrasion and corrosion.
The benefits of Sulfuric Anodizing
Sulfuric anodizing is a popular treatment for many reasons. Firstly it’s incredibly versatile, able to accommodate a wide range of dye colors, even after anodization is complete. It’s also popular for use on titanium components as well as aluminum, though the process is still more widely applied to aluminum components.
In addition to its excellent durability, sulfuric anodization also imparts an aesthetically pleasing appearance onto the aluminum regardless of if it’s dyed or not. Because the surface can be dyed in a range of colors, it’s become popular for use in applications such as consumer goods and appliances. Its corrosion and wear resistance has made it popular in applications in the Aerospace, Automotive, and Defense manufacturing, where long-lasting components are a must.
Looking for an expert in sulfuric anodizing?
Reid Metal Finishing is one of the most experienced metal finishing companies in the U.S., with over thirty years of excellence in quality, performance, and service. Check out our website to learn more about our sulfuric anodizing services, as well as our many other metal finishing capabilities.
