Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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. S & S Anodizing, Inc. uses Sulfuric Acid Anodizing process including both Soft Anodize (Type II) and Hard Anodizing (Type III). Our anodize facility can handle nearly any task from cosmetic sheet metal products to high wear machine parts.
How is it produced ?
Because anodizing is a conversion process and not an applied coating, an oxide formation of the aluminum 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.
The Anodizing chemistry is held to the optimum range at S & S with analysis being performed by qualified technicians.
Why S & S Anodizing?
Unlike most shops, S & S Anodizing specializes in anodizing, not just a plating shop with an anodize tank in the back. Taking your anodize work elsewhere is like having a Grease Monkey repair your transmission. Maybe they can pull it off.....but is it worth the risk?
Can I get different colors ?
Yes, many colors are also available including red, blue, green, violet, gold, black and grey.
Why Anodize ?
High Corrosion Resistance
Decorative / Cosmetic
Appearance
Insulator / Nonconductive
Stain Resistance
Increased Durability / Scratch Resistance
Our standard anodizing process conforms to MIL-A-8625 Type II
Anodizing produces no listed hazardous waste
Anodizing has few adverse effects on land, air or water
And of all the architectural finishing processes, anodizing has the fewest short or long-term detrimental effects on the environment, producing no air pollutants or V.O.C.'s and has no ill effects on air quality.
What is Chromate ?
Chromate, also known as Chemfilm, Irridite & 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.
Grease Monkey Irridite & Alodine are registered trademarks.
