Anodizing and Iriditing

Anodizing and iriditing are both a functional and beautiful coating used to prevent aluminum from corroding. Our knowledgeable staff can help you decide the best coating for your product from the huge array of anodizing options available at Reliable Plating.

Choose from the multitude of finishes available:

• Matte or shiny
• Clear
• Black
• Gold
• Red
• Blue
• Color anodized parts – other colors, and customs, are available (call for availability)

Reliable Plating and Polishing also offers Iriditing (Chem-Film) for raw aluminum providing a light, (clear or yellow) protective coating. While this process can be used as a standalone finish, it is an ideal protective base coat for painted aluminum products. Call us today to learn more about our new ROHS finishes and mil-spec conforming finishes.

In addition to being local and convenient, Reliable can perform some of our finishing processes with same-day, next-day, or even “while you wait*” service. We pride ourselves in working to your deadline. Our knowledgeable salespeople consult with you to understand exactly what you need and when you need it. Most of our processes involve many precise steps, so accurate communication with our customers is critical to success.

* Only certain processes can be done in one day, call for details.

What is the difference between anodizing and iridite?

Anodizing and iriditing (also known as chromate conversion coating) are both surface treatments used to enhance the properties of metals, particularly aluminum, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.

Anodizing (common uses):

• Corrosion Resistance: Anodizing significantly increases the corrosion resistance of aluminum by creating a thick oxide layer.
• Wear Resistance: The process enhances the surface hardness, making it more resistant to wear and abrasion.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Anodized aluminum can be dyed in various colors, providing a decorative finish.
• Thermal Management: Anodized surfaces have high emissivity, making them useful for heat dissipation in applications like heat sinks.

Iriditing, or Chromate Conversion Coating (common uses):

• Corrosion Protection: Provides a protective layer that prevents corrosion, especially useful for aluminum and its alloys.
• Adhesion Promoter: Acts as an excellent base for paint or adhesive bonding.
• Electrical Conductivity: Unlike anodizing, iriditing maintains the electrical conductivity of the metal surface.

Differences in the Process of anodizing vs. iriditing:

• Anodizing: Involves immersing aluminum in an acidic solution and applying an electrical current to form a thick oxide layer.
• Iriditing: Involves a chemical reaction with a chromate solution to form a thin, protective film on the metal surface.

Layer Thickness:

• Anodizing: Produces a thicker oxide layer, typically ranging from 5 to 70 micrometers.
• Iriditing: Creates a much thinner layer, usually between 10 to 40 millionths of an inch.

Electrical Properties:

• Anodizing: The oxide layer is non-conductive.
• Iriditing: The coating is conductive, making it suitable for applications where electrical conductivity is required.

Durability:

• Anodizing: Provides superior wear resistance and is more durable in harsh environments.
• Iriditing: Offers good corrosion resistance but is not as wear-resistant as anodizing.

These differences make each process suitable for specific applications depending on your requirements for corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and wear resistance.

Have questions as to which is best for your application? Call us today at 203-366-5261.