With a variety of applications requiring high strength, high durability parts, the defence sector needs quality finishes for its components. Anodising is a valued finish throughout land, naval and aerospace areas of defence, for its exceptional protective qualities. Formed by growing a tough, aluminium oxide layer into and out of the surface of an aluminium component, anodising is highly corrosion resistant, resistant to abrasion and chemicals and will not peel or rub off.

The all-purpose, hardwearing finish can be used for a wide variety of parts, from vehicle components and small machine parts to railings, weapon components and more. Here are just some of the many applications where anodising is the ideal finish. 

Harsh weather conditions

Defence vehicles, equipment and even buildings need to be built to last in extreme climes. From desert sands to storm-swept terrain to high levels of salt spray at sea, defence equipment needs to withstand corrosion and deterioration. The dense particles which form the aluminium oxide layer of an anodised surface provide excellent protection against corrosion. Anodising is also sealed, closing the pores to prevent contaminants from accumulating in the coating, as well as adding extra protection against corrosion. This  means that it is an ideal finish for hose nozzles, signage, railings and even building cladding in a variety of different weather conditions and climates, naval placards and components, vehicle underbodies and more. 

Tight tolerances

Because anodising is a very controlled process, it ensures an even layer is grown across the surface of the part. Unlike natural oxidisation of aluminium, which can grow patchily and haphazardly, anodising forms a far more uniform coating across the part’s entire surface. Adjustments to the voltage of the electric current running through the tank, the temperature of the acid baths in which the parts are submerged and the length of time in which parts are left in the tanks can change the micron thickness – which can range from as little as 5 microns all the way up to 100 microns. For components which require tight tolerances in order to function, thin-film anodised coatings can give adequate protection without compromising functionality. 

High abrasion applications

Anodising – particularly hard anodising – provides effective protection against wear and tear, reducing the need for replacement parts and subsequently reducing downtime. This ensures mission-critical machinery can continue to function as needed without extra maintenance that will slow it down.

Customised applications

As well as being durable, anodising is highly customisable, meaning it can be adapted to suit different applications and defence project specifications. Anodising can be dyed or electrocoloured, changing the colour to suit specifications – for example, some defence projects require black anodising to blend in with the surroundings or match existing machinery. Anodising can also be sealed using a number of different seals to achieve different results – nickel and cold water seals can enhance corrosion resistance, while a Teflon seal can add lubricity and friction resistance for fast-moving machinery or weaponry. 

A protective pre-treatment

As well as being a durable and attractive final coating, anodising also functions as an excellent pre-treatment option, adding protection to a surface prior to applying another coating, such as powder coating or ceramic coating. This ensures the top coat can function even more effectively and will adhere well to the component, reducing wear and downtime. 

DecoUltra™

Exclusive to DECO Australia, the DecoUltra™ series of finishes is designed to meet all defence needs. With a range of different micron thicknesses available, choose from DecoUltra™ AD at 15 microns, DecoUltra™ AD+ at 25 microns, DecoUltra™ ZD at 30 microns and DecoUltra™ ZD+ at 50 microns, or meet a custom specification with a custom micron thickness anywhere between 5 and 100 microns. Choose from a range of dyed and electrocoloured finishes including black, clear and six different bronzes, and choose from our range of seals to meet specifications for corrosion resistance, lubricity and more. 

To find out more about how DecoUltra™ can meet your defence sector requirements, contact us.