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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page contains answers to common questions handled by our support staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.

bulletWhat is Anodizing ?
bulletHow is it produced ?
bulletCan I get different colors ?
bulletWhy Anodize ?
bulletWhat is Chromate ?
bulletWhat is Passivation ?

What is Anodizing?

Anodizing is the electrochemical process that converts the surface of aluminum to an oxide form. This oxide formation improves abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance and the appearance of aluminum. Anodizing has very good dielectric properties and resists heat to the temperature at which the aluminum itself melts.

Anodizing chemistry is held to the optimum range at S & S with analysis being performed daily by qualified technicians. Our anodize facility can handle nearly any task from cosmetic sheet metal products to high wear machine parts.

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How is it produced ?

Because anodizing is an electrochemical conversion process and not an applied coating, the oxide formation proceeds inward, toward the metal at nearly the same rate at which it forms outward. Therefore it is important to remember that the total build-up is what is being applied when customer thickness is called for.

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Can I get different colors ?

S & S Anodizing, Inc. uses Sulfuric Acid Anodizing process including both Soft Anodize (Type II) and Hard Anodizing (Type III). Many colors are also available including red, blue, green, violet, gold, black and grey.

Blue anodizing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why Anodize ?

bulletHigh Corrosion Resistance
bulletDecorative / Cosmetic
bulletAppearance
bulletInsulator / Nonconductive 
bulletStain Resistance 
bulletIncreased Durability / Scratch Resistance
bulletOur standard anodizing process conforms to MIL-A-8625 Type II
bulletAnodizing produces no listed hazardous waste
bulletAnodizing has few adverse effects on land, air or water
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And of all the architectural finishing processes, anodizing has the fewest short or longterm detrimental effects on the environment, producing no air pollutants or V.O.C.’s and has no ill effects on air quality.

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What is Chromate ?

Chromate, also known as Chemfilm, Iridite & Alodine, is a non electrical process which can provide many benefits to aluminum surfaces, especially when wear and scratch resistance are not important. Chromate provides protection from oxidization and is also a great primer before painting or masking is performed. This process is available in both yellow & clear color and does not create a measurable build-up of thickness. S & S Anodizing offers chromate conversion or chemical film (chemfilm) capabilities of great flexibility. Due to our 4’ x 10’ x 6’ tanks and crane hoist, we can handle large parts with ease and in large quantity.

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What is Passivation ?

Passivation is a colorless coating which:

bulletProvides corrosion protection 
bulletCan be applied by spray, roll coat, squeegee, or immersion 
bulletFree of chrome and other heavy metals 
bulletOperates at ambient temperature 
bulletStaining is virtually eliminated 
bulletEliminates chrome contamination in downstream processes 
bulletCan be alkaline cleaned, pretreated and painted
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Chemfilm, Iridite & Alodine are registered trademarks.

Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to webmaster@ssanodizing.com.
Copyright © 2004, 2005  S & S Anodizing. All rights reserved.
Last modified: Thursday March 09, 2006.