Anodizing surface finish
Anodizing applied by YiguProto

Surface finish

Anodizing for CNC & Molded Parts

Anodizing grows a hard, porous oxide layer on aluminium. We control the thickness, color, and seal to match your part.

  • Hard, wear-resistant surface that will not chip or peel.
  • Wide color range with full corrosion protection.

What it is

What Is Anodizing?

Anodizing is an electrochemical process. It turns the top layer of aluminium into aluminium oxide. This layer is part of the metal, not a coating on top. That is why it cannot peel off. The result is a matte or satin surface that can be dyed in many colors and sealed against corrosion.

We offer both Type II (decorative) and Type III (hardcoat) anodizing. Hardcoat is much thicker and very wear-resistant.

How it works

How Anodizing Works

Clean & degrease

We remove oil, dirt, and oxide so the surface is uniform.

Etch & desmut

A light acid etch evens the surface and prepares it for anodizing.

Anodize in acid bath

The part sits in a sulfuric acid tank as the anode. Current grows the oxide layer.

Dye (optional)

We immerse the part in dye to reach the target color.

Seal

A hot seal closes the pores and locks in color and corrosion resistance.

Type II is decorative and thin. Type III (hardcoat) is thick and is used where parts slide or wear.

Why choose it

Benefits of Anodizing

Wear resistance

The oxide layer is much harder than raw aluminium.

Corrosion protection

Sealed anodize protects against rust and salt spray.

Color stable

Dyed colors stay bright and will not peel.

Electrical insulation

The oxide layer is non-conductive where needed.

Skin-friendly

Safe for consumer and medical touch parts.

Long life

Resists fading in indoor and mild outdoor use.

Typical specs

Typical Anodizing Specifications

SpecificationTypical range / valueNotes
Process typeType II (decorative) / Type III (hardcoat)
Coating thickness5–25 µm (Type II), up to 50 µm+ (hardcoat)
Color optionsClear, black, blue, red, gold, custom
HardnessUp to ~60 HRC equivalent (hardcoat)
Sealing temp95–100 °C

Best applications

When to Use Anodizing

Consumer electronics

Housings, knobs, and brackets.

Automotive trim

Mirror caps, badges, interior parts.

Aerospace

Lightweight structural and enclosure parts.

Architecture

Panels and decorative fittings.

Medical devices

Hand tools and instrument bodies.

Materials

Compatible Materials for Anodizing

We apply Anodizing to the materials below. Not sure if your material qualifies? Our engineers will confirm it for free.

Aluminium 6061Aluminium 7075Aluminium 5052Aluminium 6082Aluminium 2024 (limited)

Our solution

Our Anodizing Solution

We run both decorative and hardcoat anodizing with color matching to RAL and custom samples. Your part is machined and finished under one roof.

  • Color matching to RAL codes and physical samples.
  • Minimal dimensional change thanks to tight sealing control.
  • Hardcoat anodizing for wear and sliding surfaces.
  • CNC machining + anodizing in a single order.
Our engineers review your drawing first to flag thin walls and sharp edges that need adjustment before anodizing.

Design tips

Design & DFM Tips for Anodizing

Keep a small radius

Anodize builds slightly on edges; add a small radius.

Avoid mixed alloys

Different alloys anodize to different shades.

Design for masking

Tell us threads and bores to mask.

Expect slight tone shift

Large flat areas may show minor tone variation.

FAQ

Anodizing — Frequently Asked Questions

Send your drawings or 3D files. Most quotes come back within a few hours on business days, never more than 24 hours.
Yes. All customer files and ideas are treated as confidential. We sign NDAs when needed.
Yes. Our engineers review your design and suggest changes that cut cost, improve quality, or speed up delivery.
For Anodizing, we support one-off prototypes and full production runs. There is no strict MOQ.
We can make samples for your approval. Cost depends on the process, and it is credited back on a production order.
Most 6000 and 7000 series anodize well. We confirm the grade before processing.
Only by the coating thickness, usually a few microns. We account for it in machining.
Yes. Send a sample or RAL code and we match it.
The oxide layer is insulating, but bare metal underneath still conducts where unanodized.
Type II is decorative and thinner. Type III (hardcoat) is thick and very wear-resistant.

Need Anodizing on your parts?

Send your files and get a finish recommendation + factory-direct quote.

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