This section provides an overview for anodized aluminum as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 13 anodized aluminum manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked anodized aluminum companies as of November, 2024: 1.Bunty LLC, 2.Tri-State Aluminum, 3.Arrow Finishing Inc..
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1987~1991: Engaged in research on wire covering materials at Polymer Materials Laboratory.
1991~1997: Worked as a patent Engineer at Koike International Patent Office.
1997~2005 Worked as an intellectual property member at GE Yokogawa Medical System, currently working as a writer.
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Forming an anodized aluminum film is also called anodizing. Anodizing is a surface treatment in which an oxide film (anodized film) is artificially formed on aluminum's surface. By the substance forming on the aluminum it becomes anodized aluminum. By forming an anodized aluminum film, it is possible to improve corrosion and wear resistance. Unlike the plating process, an anodized aluminum film does not just cover the surface, but is formed in a manner that dissolves and penetrates the product itself to cover the surface, thus providing a more durable surface treatment.
Anodized aluminum is used in a wide range of fields, from household products to industrial products. This is because forming an anodized aluminum film provides high corrosion resistance, high wear resistance, surface properties (water repellency, etc.), and high decorative properties such as coloring.
It's used in household products like lunch boxes, kettles, pots, cell phones, sashes, etc. and in industrial products such as construction materials, automotive parts, optical parts, semiconductor parts, medical equipment, etc.
Aluminum, the base material from which anodized aluminum is formed, easily bonds with oxygen and forms a thin oxide film when in contact with air. For this reason, aluminum has the property of being resistant to rust, in other words, it has good corrosion resistance. However, the thickness of this naturally formed oxide film is very thin.
Depending on the environment, chemical reactions can cause corrosion, which can extend to raw aluminum. Therefore, an artificial oxide (anodized aluminum) film is formed to protect the aluminum.
The main component of anodized aluminum is amorphous alumina (Al2O3). An anodic oxide film made of anodized aluminum has the shape of a porous layer with many pores extending in the direction of film thickness.
The basic formation method of anodized aluminum (anodized aluminum film) is as follows. The anodizing process is similar to this method.
The aluminum product is attached to a jig and placed in an electrolytic solution. Connect an electrode to the jig and apply positive electricity, and at the same time apply electricity to the cathode in the same manner. The electrolysis produces an oxide film (anodized aluminum film) on the surface.
The thickness of the oxide film (anodized aluminum film) produced at this time is proportional to the electrolysis time. Since the anodized aluminum film is formed while dissolving the aluminum surface, its surface shape reflects the shape of the aluminum surface.
In other words, even if the aluminum surface has minuscule irregularities, an anodized aluminum film is formed reflecting the shape of the surface, so the surface cannot be flattened like a coating.
There are five points to be noted when forming anodized aluminum film.
The degree of film growth varies depending on whether the aluminum processing was done by cutting or electrical discharge machining, resulting in differences in the expected dimensions after the anodized aluminum film is formed.
If an anodized aluminum film is formed when materials other than aluminum, such as iron, copper, or stainless steel are joined, there is a possibility that, aside from aluminum, the materials will melt.
If an anodized aluminum film is formed on parts composed of different types of aluminum alloys at the same time, uneven color and thickness will occur.
If anodized aluminum film is formed on a part that has a hole shape designed to fit together, the fit may not function depending on the dimensional accuracy of the anodized aluminum film thickness.
Consider that the depth of the hole in the fit and the shape of the through hole or stop hole, etc., may cause a difference in the dimensional accuracy of the anodized aluminum film thickness.
As mentioned above, the thickness of the anodized aluminum film produced will vary depending on the shape of the part on which the anodized aluminum film is formed, the processing method used, and other factors. Therefore, prior consideration and confirmation are important when forming an anodic oxide film on parts that require precise dimensions.
Anodized aluminum is not flexible and brittle, and parts with anodized aluminum coating may peel or crack when processed or bent. Also, each material has a different rate of thermal expansion (coefficient of thermal expansion). Aluminum alloys before oxidation treatment and anodized aluminum after oxidation treatment have different coefficients of thermal expansion.
Especially in high temperature environments (>100°C), the difference in thermal expansion rates between the two materials will increase, causing the anodized aluminum film to delaminate or crack.
Anodized aluminum can be colored in a variety of colors. There are two main coloring methods: electrolytic coloring and dye coloring.
Electrolytic Coloring
Electrolytic coloring is a method in which parts of anodized aluminum film are secondarily electrolyzed in an electrolytic solution containing metal salts such as tin and nickel to deposit metal in the pores of the anodized aluminum film, which is a porous layer, for coloring. Anodizing with this method can give anodized aluminum a metallic hue such as black, bronze, or yellow. Electrolytic coloring not only colors the anodized aluminum film but also reinforces it.
Dye Coloring
Dye coloring is a method of coloring anodized aluminum by placing dye inside the pores of the porous layer of the anodized aluminum film. This is called color anodizing.
After the anodized aluminum film is colored by the dye, a sealing process is applied. To put it simply, this is a process to cover the hole where the dye has been inserted so that the anodized aluminum coloring will not peel off. However, care must be taken because if the anodized aluminum film itself peels off, the coloring will also peel off.
In both the electrolytic and dye-coloring anodizing) processes, the density of the coloring depends on the thickness of the coating, the time and temperature applied to the process, and other conditions. This is because the amount of metal and dye that can enter the hole varies depending on the conditions. The greater the amount, the darker the color.
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BUNTY LLC, established in 2000, is an AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015 and CVMSDC certified manufacturing company that services the automotive, aerospace, energy and medical industries based in the US. The company’s customers include the largest tire manufacturer in the world, the transmission supplier to a large Japanese automaker, and Tier I manufacturers in automotive shocks, brakes, drive trains, and mirror assemblies. It also provides stainless steel parts for the food processing industry that meet FDA standards. It has evolved and became a full-service custom machined, forged and cast metal parts fabrication enterprise, with domestic and overseas manufacturing, warehousing and inspection facilities.
Ace Anodizing & Impregnanting Inc., established in 1959 and situated in Hillside, Illinois, is a Custom Manufacturer and Metal Finishing Service Company. Ace Anodizing offers architectural anodizing processes through traditional electrochemical Type II Sulfuric and Type III hard coat anodic processes, that provide a finish to components used on building exteriors. Also, the company offers the bright dip process that gives the finished piece a reflective, mirror-type finish through chemical polishing. Ace Anodizing manufactures parts from aluminum, aluminum alloys, sand cast and die cast aluminum. Its applications range from golf carts to window frames, solar panels and roofing systems.
Tiodize Company, Inc has been a manufacturer of coatings and composites based in California since 1966. The company deals in various forms of coatings as their product such as Dry Film Lubricants, Aluminum and Titanium anodizing, and Anti-Seize Greases, and provides services for their application as well. They also manufacture fasteners and fastening devices made of composite materials having high tensile strength, lighter weight, and can be processed into various shapes and sizes. Industries that require the application of lubricants for corrosion and friction resistance benefit from Tiodize's products and services, such as automotive, electronics, marine, and aerospace.
Founded in 1961, ACA- Aluminum Coil Anodizing Corp, based out of Streamwood, IL, United States, is a manufacturer of continuous aluminum coil anodizing and other process-related services. The company specializes in the process of sheet anodizing and they provide decorative interiors for transportation trim components and anodized aluminum and metallic lighting sheet. The company offers reflective, bright dip, and color anodizing finishes along with chemical cleaning, etching, and brightening that have architectural applications. The company produces Anodized aluminum, lighting sheet, anodized foils, and, painted products that have applications in Transportation, Automotive, Cosmetic, Pharmaceutical packaging, and Lighting industries.
Tri-State Aluminum, established in 1977, is a manufacturer and supplier situated in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States. Tri-State Aluminum offers a range of products, such as aluminum bars, tubes, angles, channels, and custom shapes, among others. The products are crucial components in various industries, such as construction, transportation, medical, and military. The products are used for various purposes, such as creating lightweight and durable parts with high corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity. The company also provides design, engineering, machining, finishing, and assembly services for its clients.
AMF Technologies, established in 1980 and headquartered in Rockland, Massachusetts, is a manufacturer and supplier of advanced metal finishing solutions. The company's product range includes mechanical finishes such as abrasive blasting, and polishing, along with standard coatings like anodize, bright nickel, and chromate. These products find applications in diverse industries, including medical components and devices, biotechnology and pharmaceutical equipment cleaning, semiconductor manufacturing, and contract manufacturing. It also specializes in oxygen service cleaning, great purity finish, and vacuum pump decontamination.
Santoshi Corporation d.b.a. Alum-A-Coat, established in 1976 and headquartered in South El Monte, California, is a manufacturer and supplier, specializing in full-service anodizing capabilities. The company's product range includes Type II anodizing, color anodizing, hard coat anodizing, decorative anodizing, and robotic welding. Alum-A-Coat Anodizing caters to a diverse clientele in architecture, transportation, aerospace, machine shops, and extruders. The company’s services include chemical analysis, ensuring thorough solutions to customer needs. Accredited by AAMA for architectural anodizing, MIL-A-8625F for military anodizing, and WOSB for women-headed small businesses, the company stands as a testament to quality anodized finishes.
Techmetals, Inc., established in 1968, is a global service provider of metal plating and coating, based in Dayton, OH, USA. The company operates from a 160,000 square foot facility. It is in compliance with NAS 9100 Rev D, FAA Repair Station, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, DRG3, and more. With over five decades of expertise in metal plating solutions, Techmetals assists diverse industries such as Aerospace, Defense, Medical, Automotive, and Manufacturing, providing dependable and cost-effective services. With around 200 employees and an in-house R&D, they provide customization services to meet specific project needs.
US Anodize, formally known as Industrial Metal Plating, is based in Pennsylvania, United States, and specialized in aluminum anodizing and chromate conversion since 1959. The company offers custom anodizing solutions including oxide coatings of up to 2.0 mils and permanent finishes in unique colors. Anodizing is an electrochemical finishing process that ensures durability and corrosion resistance. US Anodize also provides chromate conversion coatings meant to protect aluminum alloys from corrosion while retaining their electrical conductivity. They also offer laser engraving services for various materials such as plastic and leather.
Hubs, formerly known as 3D Hubs, B.V., founded in 2013 and a subsidiary of Proto Labs, Inc., is a manufacturer headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands that specializes in developing online manufacturing platform. The company offers a platform that connects engineers with manufacturing partners, offering a range of capabilities, including 3D printing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, injection molding for prototypes and production tooling, and sheet metal fabrication. Notably, the company has evolved from a peer-to-peer 3D printing network to include full-service manufacturing, with clients like National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)
Advanced Technical Finishing, founded in 2012 and located in Huntsville, Alabama, is a supplier of metal coating services. The company offers a broad range of services that include abrasive cleaning, anodizing, black oxide, cadmium, and electroless nickel plating. These services find applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, electronics, and general manufacturing. The company’s services enhance the durability, corrosion resistance, and performance of metal components. Additionally, it provides custom solutions to meet unique client requirements.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Bunty LLC |
22.2%
|
2 | Tri-State Aluminum |
14.3%
|
3 | Arrow Finishing Inc. |
9.5%
|
4 | Aluminum Coil Anodizing Corp. |
7.9%
|
5 | AMF Technologies, Inc |
6.3%
|
6 | Advanced Technical Finishing |
6.3%
|
7 | Santoshi Corporation d.b.a. Alum-A-Coat |
6.3%
|
8 | US Anodize |
6.3%
|
9 | Ace Anodizing & Impregnating, Inc. |
6.3%
|
10 | Izen Engineering Limited |
4.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the anodized aluminum page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 9 | 100.0% |
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