We say that the oxidation of aluminum alloy is anodic oxidation. Although both anodic oxidation and electroplating require electricity, there are essential differences between the two.
First look at anodizing, not all metals are suitable for anodizing. Generally, metal alloys are anodized, and aluminum is widely used. Anodic oxidation is to use the oxidized metal (aluminum) as the anode and conduct electrolytic oxidation through low-voltage direct current to form a dense oxide film on the surface of the material, which is the oxide of its own metal.
Electroplating is different. Electroplating is suitable for surface treatment of various metals and non-metals. All kinds of metals and some non-metals can be electroplated as long as they undergo reasonable surface treatment. Even if it’s a thin leaf, it can be electroplated as long as it is properly treated. Different from anodic oxidation, the material to be plated is used as a cathode, the plating metal is energized as an anode, and the plating metal exists in the electrolyte in the state of metal ions. Through the charge effect, the metal ions of the anode move towards the cathode and deposit on the cathode material to be plated. The more common coating metals are gold, silver, copper, nickel, zinc, etc.
It can be seen that aluminum alloy oxidation and electroplating are both surface treatments, which can achieve beautiful and anti-corrosion effects. The difference between the two is that electroplating is to add another metal protective layer on the surface of the original material through physical effects, while anodization is to electrochemically oxidize the surface layer of the metal.
The commonly used surface treatment method for aluminum alloy materials is anodization, because the anodized surface has better aesthetics, stronger corrosion resistance, and easier care. And the aluminum alloy material can be oxidized and colored to obtain various desired colors.
Post time: Jun-20-2022