Anodizing

Abstract

IN GENERAL, anodizing refers to conversion coating of the surface of aluminum and its alloys to porous aluminum oxide. The process derives its name from the fact that the aluminum part to be coated becomes the anode in an electrolytic cell. This differentiates it from electroplating, in which the part is made the cathode. Whereas anodizing is typically associated with aluminum, similar processes are used for other base metals, including magnesium, titanium, and zinc; a brief discussion of anodizing of these materials is included at the end of this article. However, for the present, this discussion will be specific to aluminum and its alloys. Five references to 6061.