What is anodizing?
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the protective Aluminum Oxide. The resulting finish, depending on the process, is the hardest substance known second only to diamond. The anodic coating is part of the metal, but has a porous structure that allows secondary infusions, (i.e. organic and inorganic coloring, lubricity acids, etc.) The anodizing process is non-hazardous and produces no harmful or dangerous by-products. Anodizing is a safe process that is not harmful to human health.
The only metal anodized by Impact! Sign Letters is aluminum. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the naturally occurring protective oxide in aluminum and allows the metal to be colorized the process, is the second hardest substance known to man, second only to the diamond. An anodized finish is not a coating, it is part of the finished aluminum letter. An oxide film or coating on metals and alloys by electrolysis. The metal to be treated is made the anode in an electrolytic cell and its surface is electrochemically oxidized. Anodization can improve certain surface properties, such as corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, hardness, appearance, etc. Although an anodized finish is more expensive, it will reduce the maintenance required to aluminum letters, and will also make them more scratch-resistant. This is especially valuable in high-traffic, lower areas, where human contact would be possible or common.
The only metal anodized is aluminum. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the naturally occurring protective oxide in aluminum and allows the metal to be colorized the process. An anodized finish is part of the finished aluminum letter. Architects love to specify this finish. However it’s an unnecessary expense in most locales.
