Frequently asked questions

There are no stupid questions –
only frequent ones.
Can all types of aluminum be anodized?
An oxide layer can always be produced. However, the quality of the properties of this layer varies greatly. Often, only a few possible alloys are suitable for the planned application. We are always happy to advise. Please also take a look at our practice-oriented material recommendation.
Can anodized layers be removed?
No problem. You just have to take the change in dimensions into account.
Are anodized/hard anodized layers food safe?
They are – but only in an uncolored state!
Do anodized/hard anodized layers resist alcohol and acetone?
The layers are permanently resistant to these media.
Are the dyes used UV-stable, i.e. can they be used outdoors indefinitely?
Every pigment has a different level of stability against UV light. Colors such as red, blue, green and orange are the worst choices here. Black and gold are very stable.
Can all alloys be chemically polished?
The low-emission process we use only allows the processing of copper-free alloys.
Can you anodize already anodized parts?

No.

Is it possible to strip as much as you will later rebuild?
Theoretically, this is possible, but in practice it should only be done in emergencies. The condition of the pickling varies slightly and the pickling rates also change with increasing pickling time. Basically, the anodizing structure should be taken into account in advance.
Is anodizing/hard anodizing also done in blind holes?
The coating follows Faraday’s law. The deeper you get into the hole, the thinner the layer. If an air bubble gets caught, this will of course prevent coating across the board.
Can coarsening be “anodized away”?
Coarsening is caused by inadequate heat treatment during the aluminum manufacturing process. Unfortunately, it usually only becomes visible during the pickling process. That’s why many customers think it’s an anodizing defect. In some cases, we can conceal the problem with a special blasting treatment followed by polishing.