TDF Metal Finishing provides aluminum anodizing services from Danvers, Massachusetts, including Type II conventional anodizing, dyed finishes, and Type III hard anodizing.
Whether your component requires a colored finish or a hard anodized surface for demanding service conditions, our team can review your drawings, material and process specifications to discuss the appropriate treatment.
Anodizing for Aluminum Components
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that forms an oxide layer integral to the aluminum surface. It is used to improve surface properties, including corrosion and wear resistance, and can also provide a decorative finish.
The appropriate anodizing process depends on the component's application, alloy, required appearance, and dimensional tolerances. Specifying these details upfront helps ensure the finish suits its intended use.
Our Anodizing Capabilities
Type II Conventional Anodizing
Type II anodizing is a widely used treatment for aluminum components requiring a protective surface finish. It also provides the basis for a range of dyed color options.
TDF offers conventional Type II anodizing to support specified component finishing requirements. Share your alloy designation, required coating thickness and any sealing or masking instructions so our team can review the process needed.
Type II Class 2 Dyed Anodizing
Dyed anodizing adds color to the anodized aluminum surface. You can specify it for appearance, component identification, or product differentiation.
Our Type II Class 2 color options include:
• Black.
• Red.
• Green.
• Blue.
• Gray.
The appearance of an anodized finish can vary with the aluminum alloy, original surface condition, and processing requirements. If color consistency or matching is important to your project, discuss your expectations with our team before processing.
Type III Hard Anodizing
Type III hard anodizing, also known as hardcoat anodizing, produces a thicker coating than conventional Type II anodizing and is commonly specified where wear and abrasion resistance are priorities.
TDF offers hard anodizing for aluminum components with defined engineering requirements. Because anodizing affects finished dimensions, coating thickness and critical tolerances should be considered when specifying the process.
Please identify any close-fitting features, threaded areas or surfaces requiring masking on your drawing.
Hard Anodizing with Teflon Post-Treatment
TDF also offers hard anodizing with Teflon post-treatment.
If your component specification calls for this treatment, provide the relevant drawing notes, application details and acceptance requirements. Our team can review the requested combination of anodizing and post-treatment before confirming the processing requirements.
Masking and Component Requirements
Some components require selected areas to remain untreated. TDF offers masking to meet component requirements alongside its anodizing services.
Clearly identify masked areas on your drawing, together with any dimensional tolerances and surface finish requirements. This is particularly important where components need to fit or function within an assembly.
Anodizing Specifications
If you are working to a defined anodizing specification, include its full reference and revision with your enquiry.
Please also provide the required anodizing type, class, coating thickness, color and any post-treatment instructions. Our team will review these details against the component drawing and confirm the applicable capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Type II and Type III anodizing?
Type II anodizing is commonly used for protective and decorative finishes, including dyed colors. Type III hard anodizing produces a thicker coating and is used where greater wear and abrasion resistance are required. The appropriate choice depends on the component's application and specification.
Which anodizing colors does TDF offer?
TDF offers Type II Class 2 dyed anodizing in black, red, green, blue and gray. Please discuss any specific shade or appearance requirements with our team, as the alloy and surface condition can influence the finished result.
Does anodizing change component dimensions?
Yes. The anodic layer grows both into and outward from the original aluminum surface, affecting finished dimensions. Coating thickness, fits and tolerances should therefore be considered when designing and specifying a component, particularly for hard anodizing.
Can areas of a component be left unanodized?
Yes. Masking can be used to leave specified areas untreated. Mark these areas clearly on your drawing and include any related tolerances or processing instructions for our team to review.
What information is needed for an anodizing quote?
Please provide the aluminum alloy, component drawing, quantity, required anodizing type and class, color, coating thickness and applicable specification. Include any masking, post-treatment, testing or documentation requirements, together with your requested delivery date.
Discuss Your Anodizing Project
Contact TDF Metal Finishing to discuss your aluminum anodizing requirements. Whether you need conventional anodizing, a dyed finish or Type III hard anodizing, our team can review your project details and confirm the next steps.
Call (978) 223-4292 or email tdfinfo@tdfmetalfinishing.com.