Anodic oxidation - elox
Anodizing is anodic oxidation of aluminum profiles. Elox means electrolytic oxidation of aluminum profiles. Both terms refer to the same method. Unadjusted aluminum profiles created on the surface of the atmosphere due to the natural oxide layer that normally protects the base material from further corrosion. This gives a natural aluminum oxide layer, under normal climatic conditions, a relatively high resistance to corrosion. The natural oxide layer is very thin after a few seconds, created on chemically cleaned surface of the thick layer of aluminum about 0.001 µm, after one day from 0.003 to 0.005 µm and after a few months from 0.1 to 0.5 micrometers. In the presence of moisture occurs in the outer part of the oxide layer to hydration and oxide is formed hydroxide Al (OH) 3 - Barit. The resulting oxide layer is not decorative, not great hardness and therefore easily damaged mechanically or due to atmospheric conditions.
Aluminum therefore needs protection against corrosion. That can be achieved by electrolytic oxidation of aluminum - Elox. During anodic oxidation emerges from the surface layer of compact aluminum oxide. Aluminum alloy, pretreatment and anodic oxidation parameters determine the appearance and properties of oxide layer. Thus created a compact and hard anodized aluminum surfaces protect against corrosion and mechanical damage.
Anodizing different procedures can create a decorative, functional and colorful oxide layer. Aluminum only after anodic oxidation (anodizing) acquires stability, corrosion resistance and very good also treats. Metal material properties remain long maintained. Anodized aluminum can be used again without fail for further processing by an environmentally acceptable way of coating the surface, conforming to its stability. Anodized aluminum profiles have many advantages (physical, thermal and electrical properties).
Good workability and high strength aluminum sections allow for virtually unlimited styling.
Anodized aluminum surface profiles guarantee a protective effect and minor maintenance costs.
AXEL GROUP Company is able to provide a wide range of products for each operational step anodic oxidation process technology, as well as titanium hinge technology and remedies that are suitable for repairing small scratches and discoloration on the surface of anodized aluminum.
At present, there are many technological processes anodic oxidation; various options allow the realization of oxide layers with very different characteristics. As an example, here are a few possible features. In principle, we distinguish the following groups of procedures.
- Differences in thickness from 0.3 to about 200?m
- Clear, transparent layers of color
- Coloring layer formed its own layer of oxide layers of color
- Coloring oxide layer formed by organic dyes
- Electrolytically colored oxide layer
- Oxide layer with embedded particles (such as PTFE)
Electrolytic coloring
For electrolytic coloring of aluminum profiles are now almost invariably used two-step method. When her anodic oxidized layer stained in two steps in the electrolyte containing the metal salts using alternating current. In reaction to exclude from the salt solution into the pores of the metal oxide layer. The tint is given compound used metal and electrical parameters for its excretion.
In Europe, virtually only used salt electrolytes based on tin and / or combinations with nickel salts. Coloring these electrolytes is realized when compared to all other methods of coloring certain advantages. Shades available in electrolytes containing salts of tin are defined by the color card EURAS from the Qualanod Company. The AXEL GROUP Company currently provides the so-called ready-made products which already contain all the components needed to obtain optimal color.
- Color is very light-resistant and weatherproof
- Color have good heat resistance
- Reproducibility defined colors
- Not be used in special alloy - coloring can be done with all the decorative anodic oxidable alloys
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