Aluminium Anodising creates an aluminium oxide film on the surface of an aluminium substrate. The resulting film is electrically non-conductive, protects against corrosion and is resistant to wear. Aluminium anodising is used widely in aerospace, automotive, defence, and medical applications.
We have worked with companies from a wide range of sectors and have obtained many company approvals and accreditations.
The process is used predominantly for aerospace applications and produces a thin film coating which has an opaque appearance which is particularly suitable where minimal dimensional changes to components are permitted and also bonding prior to priming and painting.
The sulphuric acid process allows for a wide range of film thicknesses and gives excellent corrosion resistance which can also be enhanced by sealing in a chromate solution. The film can provide a range of surface textures with many different finishes. Matt, satin or a polished finish may be produced with this type of process. After sulphuric anodising South West Metal Finishing can offer a wide range of dyes to give a very attractive finish.
Tartaric Sulphuric Acid anodising (TSA) is primarily for corrosion protection. Leaders in the industry recommend this process to replace chromic acid anodising. Tartaric acid is added to sulphuric acid anodising baths to generate porous anodic film that provides corrosion resistance to practical aerospace alloys and reduces the environmental impact of the traditional chromic acid anodising process, but like chromic acid anodising offers good adhesion for bonding prior to priming and painting.
SWMF are able to offer this process to MIL-PRF-8625.
This process is used typically to increase, by formation of a dense aluminium oxide, surface hardness and resistance to abrasion and corrosion of aluminium and aluminium alloy parts containing, in general, less than 5% copper or 8% silicon or a total of 8% of both, but usage is not limited to such applications. Alloys with higher alloy content can be coated satisfactorily with proper precautions in processing.
AnoTef-HATM is a hard anodised polymer composite coating that combines low friction, non-stick and wear resistance into one solution. This hard, continuously lubricating layer outperforms conventional coatings in a range of applications and finishes.
Our technical support team are here to help answer any questions or queries you may have.
I just wanted to pass my thanks to you and your teams for all the hard work and commitment you put into processing our TSA work last week
You pulled out all the stops (despite a number of curve-balls!) and kept everyone informed – we thank you for everything you did to achieve the best results possible
A fantastic display of exceptional customer service whilst treating our Silver work
Excellent responsiveness when you were painting our time critical parts – always get a timely response on a question
Thank you for the great technical support throughout processing our Passivation work; your teams and your suppliers were always available when we needed more information
Over the last year our partnership with SWMF has paid dividends and this can be clearly seen in the quality of the surface treatment on our parts
Great team to work with, good communication and timely delivery which has improved our turnaround
High quality technical support provided when needed, including NPI and the great work the engineering team did for us embedding the Cadmium parts
Thank you for the great technical support throughout processing our Passivation work; your teams and your suppliers were always available when we needed more information
Surface treatment services to the aerospace and other high technology sectors.
We offer an extensive range of coating services including Electroplating, Electroless Plating, Anodising, Conversion Coatings, Paint and Non Destructive Testing.
As a business, South West Metal Finishing recognises its Duty of Care with respect to the environment.
Are you unsure which surface treatment you need, or do you require some advice? Get in touch today and a member of our expert team will be happy to help.