Anodized Aluminum vs Non-Anodized Aluminum
aluminiumsheet > 10-11-2019, 03:54 AM
The fundamental difference between anodized aluminum and non-anodized aluminum is that the former has a layer of oxide over the surface, whereas the latter does not. From a practical standpoint, anodized aluminum offers several benefits. The main benefit of anodized aluminum is greater protection from corrosion. Aluminum, whether anodized or not, isn’t susceptible to rust. Even when left outdoors under the rain, aluminum will never rust because it doesn’t contain any iron. Nonetheless, it can still corrode, which is why manufacturers often anodize their aluminum. The layer of oxide this process forms over aluminum creates a barrier of protection that discourages corrosion.
Anodizing also allows manufacturers to dye the surface of their aluminum. Dyes can be added to the acid bath in which aluminum is exposed to achieve different colors. There are other ways to dye aluminum, but anodizing creates a stronger bond since the dye is located in the oxide layer covering the surface.