If you are searching for a hardwearing finish for your aluminium parts, that can withstand the toughest of applications and locations, look no further than hard anodising. A dense, durable aluminium oxide coating, hard anodising is almost as tough as diamonds – and it will protect your components from corrosion, abrasion, wear and acid attack. 

Parts are anodised by immersing them in an acid solution with an electric current running through it, which causes an even aluminium oxide ‘skin’ to grow into and out of the surface. To achieve a hard anodised surface, the temperature of the acid bath must be lowered to around zero degrees Celsius, as well as increasing the voltage of the electric charge running through it. This is known as low-temperature hard anodising, or ‘true’ hard anodising, and is the most effective way to achieve maximum results and a truly durable coating.

Another method used to achieve ‘hard’ anodising is by adding extra chemicals to the acid baths, rather than lowering the temperature. This method is typically used to save time, as the low-temperature of the acid baths can take a long time to achieve, and the part must often be immersed in the hard anodising tank for a longer period of time. 

However, this method is typically less effective than ‘true’ low-temperature hard anodising. The low temperature of the acid baths is a crucial part of the hard anodising process, which achieves:

• •A thicker aluminium oxide buildup on the surface of the part than can be achieved with chemicals alone
• •Narrower pores in the aluminium oxide layer for a more hardwearing finish
• •Greater longevity of the coating
• •Greater ability of the coating to withstand abrasion, eg. in high-speed machinery 

DECO  is one of the few hard anodisers in Australia offering true, low-temperature hard anodising. Our DecoUltra™ ZD range is made using exclusive Zero Degree hard anodising technology, are highly durable, reliable coatings for all your project needs and are available for components up to 2.8m long. Try a DecoUltra ZD 30 micron or DecoUltra ZD+ 50 micron finish depending on your project requirements, or contact us to discuss custom project specifications.

To find out more about DecoUltra ZD low temperature hard anodising, click here. 

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