This section provides an overview for aluminum oxide coatings as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 13 aluminum oxide coating manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked aluminum oxide coating companies as of November, 2024: 1.ZYP Coatings, Inc., 2.Santoshi Corporation d.b.a. Alum-A-Coat, 3.Hannecard Roller Coatings, Inc - ASB Industries.
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Categories Related to Aluminum Oxide Coatings
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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Aluminum oxide coating is a type of surface treatment that artificially forms an oxide film on the aluminum surface.
Aluminum is easily oxidized by combining with oxygen in the air, and a very thin oxide film is formed on its surface when exposed to air.
Because it is protected by this naturally formed film, it is said to have relatively high corrosion resistance.
In addition, aluminum is lightweight and highly workable and is used in all kinds of products around us, including daily necessities.
However, due to its high workability, the surface is easily scratched by bending and friction.
The oxide film that naturally forms on the aluminum surface is very thin, and depending on the operating environment, it can be corroded by chemical reactions or damaged by bending or friction, as mentioned above, and corrosion can significantly progress from the damaged area.
Therefore, aluminum oxide coating is performed to artificially form an oxide film that protects the aluminum surface by passing an electric current through the aluminum in an electrolytic solution to promote oxidation.
The formation of this oxide film is expected to improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance, insulation, and strength.
Many products are treated with aluminum oxide coating, including kettles, sashes, and smart phones for everyday use, and optical parts, automobiles, aircraft, semiconductors, and medical equipment for industrial use.
In aluminum oxide coating, an oxide film is formed by electrolyzing aluminum in a sulfuric acid electrolytic solution on an anode.
An anode and cathode are placed in the electrolytic solution, and when the aluminum product is placed on the anode side and energized from the electrode, an oxide film is formed on the surface of the aluminum product. This oxide film is an aggregate of hexagonal prismatic cells with pores inside.
The aluminum oxide coating is performed based on this principle, but the characteristics vary depending on the treatment method, so the aluminum oxide coating process must be tailored to the application.
This is a commonly used aluminum oxide coating treatment that can be applied to small parts with complex structures as well as large products. This method is used to improve corrosion resistance and hardness.
This treatment method is used to achieve even higher hardness than general aluminum oxide coating and is performed over time in an electrolyte at a low temperature. The thickness of the oxide film is several times greater than that of general aluminum oxide coating and is used for car engines and aircraft, where high durability is required.
Before aluminum oxide coating, the surface is chemically polished to a luster. This process is used for decorative and reflective materials because of its beautiful appearance.
Immediately after forming an oxide film, the surface is immersed in a dye solution to color it. Coloration can be controlled by the dye concentration, immersion time, and thickness of the oxide film. It is used for water bottles, etc., where lightweight and design are required.
The thickness of an anodic oxide film formed by general aluminum oxide coating, the most common type of aluminum oxide coating, is usually in the range of 5 to 25 microns and is set in consideration of usage conditions.
The thickness of the anodized aluminum oxide film formed by hard aluminum oxide coating is set in the range of 20~70 microns.
Hard aluminum oxide coating is often applied to parts that require sliding properties, such as automobile engine parts, and a greater film thickness is set compared to general aluminum oxide coating to demonstrate wear resistance.
Despite the aluminum oxide coating process described above, variations in the thickness of the anodized oxide film occur, one factor being the distribution of electric current and the other factor being the distribution of temperature.
Since aluminum oxide coating is performed using an electrochemical reaction, uneven electrical distribution causes variations in the thickness of the anodic oxide film.
Depending on the distance between the anode and cathode where the aluminum product is held, variations in film thickness can occur between multiple aluminum products. In addition, when multiple aluminum products are anodized at once, the current distribution differs depending on the position of the products, which leads to variations in film thickness.
When multiple aluminum products are anodized at once, dummy aluminum is hung near the aluminum products in positions and conditions where the film thickness tends to increase to release the current.
The aluminum oxide coating is performed in an electrolytic solution, and the temperature distribution of the electrolytic solution causes variations in the thickness of the anodized aluminum oxide film.
During aluminum oxide coating, the temperature in the electrolyte bath is kept uniform because the bath is agitated. When the temperature is kept uniform, the electrolyte can flow freely and the temperature distribution of the electrolyte becomes uniform.
However, in the area of the diffusion layer near the aluminum product, the electrolyte has a relatively difficult time moving and the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform. This causes variations in the thickness of the anodized aluminum oxide film. To counter this problem, methods to promote the flow of the electrolyte, such as the use of injection nozzles, are used.
The anodized aluminum oxide film formed on the aluminum surface by Anodizing has the disadvantage of being inflexible and brittle, which causes the anodized aluminum oxide film to crack or peel off when the anodized part is bent or processed.
In addition, there is a weakness in heat resistance, and there is a concern that the normal anodized aluminum oxide film may crack or peel due to thermal expansion under high-temperature environments exceeding 100 ºC.
Aluminum oxide coating improves corrosion resistance and hardness, but it is weak in solutions of strong acids and bases, and there is also the problem of dissolution in such solvents.
In addition, wet contact with metals increases the risk of corrosion. Therefore, it is necessary to devise a treatment method according to the intended use.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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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.
Electrolizing Inc., a subsidiary of The Armoloy Corporation, is a manufacturer and application service supplier of chromium coatings, operating since 1945 and located in Providence, Rhode Island. Its coatings are used across industries, including food processing, aerospace, medical, and nuclear power. The metals that can be treated with its coatings include Aircraft Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel. The company also offers a multi-step cleaning process for mold cavities and extrusion dies. Its operational activities comply with ISO 9001, FDA, and AMS 3238.
ZYP Coatings Inc., established in 1982 and located in Oak Ringe, Tennesse, is a manufacturer of paintable refractory coatings for high-temperature protection of metals, ceramics, and graphite. Its product portfolio includes Boron Nitrate (BN) coatings, coatings for molten glass, industrial coatings, and 3D printing paste. These products applicable for metal melting and forming, lubrication, masking, sealing, and atmosphere protection. The company serves various industries worldwide, including primary aluminum manufacturing, nonferrous foundry, superplastic forming (isothermal forging), and zinc hot-dip galvanizing.
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.
AaCron Anodizing, founded in 1968 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of full-service anodizing finishes. The company specializes in providing great anodized finishes for aluminum extrusions, sheets, plates, formed metal shapes, and fabricated parts. It serves a wide spectrum of industries including architectural, agricultural, industrial, military, and aerospace with a vast array of anodized colors. Additionally, the company's process results in a robust and enduring finish that safeguards aluminum against corrosion and wear. Accredited by NADCAP for aerospace anodizing and MIL-A-8625F for military anodizing, its emphasis on quality anodized finishes is great.
Valmont Coatings, a Division of Valmont Industries (VMI), was established in 1962 and is headquartered in Valley, Nebraska. The company specializes in coating and finishing solutions, serving diverse industries, including infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. Their comprehensive service portfolio includes powder coating, hot-dip galvanizing, and custom coatings. Valmont Coatings' extensive experience is reflected in their recognition and impressive client partnerships. With an unwavering devotion to quality, they maintain their position as a favored provider of coating and finishing solutions.
Anoplate Corporation was founded in 1960 and is a supplier of metal finishing, coating, and plating services in Syracuse, New York. Its services include plating various metal surfaces, a full range of aluminum finishing processes, conversion coatings, and vacuum impregnation. It has served nationwide customers from a diverse industries, including aerospace, computers, defense, optics, and electronics. The company is an aerospace-accredited supplier and holds qualifications from NADCAP and Boeing. Its quality management system is ISO 9001 accredited.
VaporKote was founded in 1987 and is a service supplier in Anaheim, California, specializing in boronizing (boriding) & aluminizing (calorizing) services for industrial equipment. It provides protective coating services that can handle industrial parts up to 25 feet long as well as complete turnkey services and coating analysis. It serves clients from petrochemical refining, aerospace engineering, heat exchanger manufacturing, and other industries. To guarantee operation safety, the company adheres to ASTM, ASME, SAE, and API regulations.
Hannecard Roller Coatings Inc ASB, a company founded in 1946, is a supplier of industrial coating services in Barberton, Ohio. The company offers turnkey thermal and cold spray coatings, as well as secondary services like component repair, welding, machining, and grinding. Its coating capabilities include HVOF, flame spray, and electric arc spray. Its services enable customers to improve operational efficiencies and reduce maintenance costs. The company serves power generation, aerospace, beverage canning, tissue-conversion, and other industries.
Nickel Composite Coatings, Inc., established in 1992, and located in Bedford Park, Illinois, is a service supplier of electroplating and self lubricating coatings services. The company's range of service includes electroplating, nickel composite ceramic coating, and hard coat anodizing services, in which it's product services serves industries, such as aerospace, defense, medical, and automotive. It's product are used to enhance the surface properties of an object by depositing a layer of metal, coating provides wear resistance and high-temperature capabilities, and improved corrosion resistance and durability through an electrochemical process.
IHI Ionbond AG, established in 1966 and headquartered in Oberursel, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of cutting-edge coating technology. The company's product range includes Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), and Plasma-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (PACVD). These coatings are utilized to enhance the durability, quality, functionality, and aesthetics of tools and components across industries like automotive, aerospace, medical, and industrial. The company boasts a worldwide existence with 35 service centers spanning Europe, North America, and Asia. Certified to ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, It delivers sustainable coating solutions.
TAG–SRL, a company founded in 1988 and headquartered in Dolgazo, Italy, is a service supplier specializing in heat treatments and special processes. Its services include heat treatments, nitriding, brazing, aluminizing, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). In conducting its NDT service, the company partnered with AeroNDI, a company specializing in non-destructive testing designed for the aircraft field. The company provides services to the automotive, aerospace, biomedical, and power generation industries under ISO 9001 and EN 9100 standards.
Hardcoatings, Inc., was established in 1927, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and is a supplier of aluminum coating services. The portfolio of the company includes guides for fibers, coating of pulleys, and parts for conveyor systems. These processes are required so that the parts don't suffer from any sliding friction and heavy impacts. The company makes corrosion-resistant products that work in saltwater and road-salt-laden environments. The coating products offered by the company are used in fields such as textile machinery, medical, pharmaceutical equipment, electronics, and more.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | ZYP Coatings, Inc. |
13.5%
|
2 | Santoshi Corporation d.b.a. Alum-A-Coat |
10.8%
|
3 | Hannecard Roller Coatings, Inc - ASB Industries |
10.8%
|
4 | Nickel Composite Coatings, Inc. |
10.8%
|
5 | Ace Anodizing & Impregnating, Inc. |
9.5%
|
6 | AaCron Anodizing, Inc. |
8.1%
|
7 | VaporKote, Inc. |
6.8%
|
8 | Electrolizing, Inc. |
6.8%
|
9 | Valmont Coatings, a Division of Valmont Industries (VMI) |
6.8%
|
10 | Hardcoatings, Inc. |
6.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the aluminum oxide coating 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 | 10 | 83.3% |
Switzerland | 1 | 8.3% |
Italy | 1 | 8.3% |