Alpha Metal Finishing provided a hardcoat anodizing lunch and learn presentation in May 2014. Special thanks to Rob Pawson from Reliant Aluminum Products for assisting us.

1. Hardcoat Anodizing Lunch and Learn
May 22, 2014

2. www.alphametal.com
www.reliantaluminumproducts.com
Hardcoat Anodizing Lunch and Learn
Presenters:
Rob Pawson, Reliant Aluminum Products
Bob Wood, Alpha Metal Finishing
Brian Muscat, Alpha Metal Finishing

3. “However beautiful the strategy,
you should occasionally look at the results.”
--Sir Winston Churchill

5. What is Anodizing?
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface
into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. The
anodic oxide structure originates from the aluminum substrate and is
composed of aluminum oxide.
This aluminum oxide is not applied to the surface like paint or plating,
but is fully integrated with the underlying aluminum substrate, so it
cannot chip or peel. It has a highly ordered, porous structure that allows
for secondary processes such as coloring and sealing.
More info at www.anodizing.org

8. What is Hardcoat Anodizing?
 Hard anodized coatings or hard anodizing (Type III) is similar to
standard anodizing, (Type II) in as much as it also creates a film of
aluminum oxide on the part.
 It is produced at colder temperatures (typically 30 °F) with much
higher voltage and current. This provides a surface that is harder and
more wear and corrosion resistant than standard anodizing.

9. Some of the characteristics of hardcoat:
 Hard anodized coatings can be grown to greater thickness, typically
.002 inches or more
 50% penetration and 50% buildup per surface
 Hardcoat finishes are typically darker in appearance than standard
anodizing depending on the coating, thickness and alloy
 Hardness – Rockwell scale rating of C - 60 / 70

10. Benefits of Hardcoat:
 Corrosion Resistance
 Variable Thickness – smaller tolerances than previously available
 Wear Resistance
 Resistance to chemicals, solvents and petroleum based products
 Electrical Resistance
 Temperature Resistance
 Low Friction Coefficient after Lubrication

11. To Seal or Not To Seal?
After a component has been hardcoat anodized, it may or may not be
sealed.
 If the main purpose of the application is to obtain a maximum degree
of abrasion or wear resistance then the coating should not be sealed.
 If the main purpose of the application is for corrosion resistance and
reduced abrasion resistance is not a concern, sealing is advised.

12. Some of the potential challenges that come into play during the
hardcoat process:
 Dimensional Growth and Crucial Tolerances
 Threads and Holes
 Sharp Corners and Points
 Different Alloys
 Racking Concerns

18. PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene coating, provides many benefits to
hardcoated parts:
 Low Coefficient of Friction
 Chemical Resistance
 Heat Resistance

19. Alpha provides a systematic, tightly controlled process for our hardcoat
customers:
 Surface area is calculated prior to processing
 Utilize a proprietary coating thickness algorithm to achieve consistent
coating thickness results
 Our control system and process significantly reduces the risk of burning of
parts, particularly 2024 alloys

20. Alpha can provide color hardcoat options to customers with a variety of
colors.
 Material Preparation
 Alloys and How They Affect Color
 Hardcoat Applications

21. Got Any Questions?
www.alphametal.com
www.reliantaluminumproducts.com