ISO 9001 - 2008 Certified

Anodize Aluminum Using the Sanford Process Available at D-CHN

Anodize aluminum and anodizing processes is the combining science with nature to create one of the world's best metal finishes. For over 40 years D-CHN has been providing aluminum finishing processing of components and products to a wide range of industries.

Today, D-CHN is solving aluminum anodize finishing problems and supplying quality finishes for all of the following industries:

Medical and Pharmaceutical	Marine Accessories
Consumer Products	Industrial Machinery
Hardware and Tools	Automotive
Computer Components	Military Suppliers
Gears and Pulleys	Advertising Specialties
Writing Instruments	Electronics
Cookware and Serving Pieces	Camping and Hiking Equipment
Cosmetics and Fashion	Aerospace Technologies
AND MORE

Anodize or anodizing aluminum is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the naturally occurring protective oxide. The electrical charge and mild acid "oxidize" the surface of the aluminum, forming microscopic crystals of aluminum oxide. This oxide surface is very hard, much harder than the base material, but very thin, often only a thousandth of an inch. The resulting finish, depending on the process, is the second hardest substance known to man, second only to the diamond.

The anodize coating is part of the metal, but has a porous structure, which allows secondary infusions, (i.e. organic and inorganic coloring, lubricity aids, etc.). The anodized layer prevents further oxidation, so the piece will not "rust" or corrode any further, and also makes the surface much more wear and scratch resistant.

Anodize a product will lead to extremely long life span and significant economic advantages through maintenance and operating savings. Anodizing is a reacted finish that is integrated with the underlying aluminum for total bonding and unmatched adhesion.

A lower initial finishing cost combines with lower maintenance costs for greater long-term value.

D-CHN uses two types of anodizing processes, sulfuric anodize and Sanford Process Hardcoat® anodizing.

Sulfuric anodize, commonly referred to as Type II anodizing, is formed by using an electrolytic solution of sulfuric acid at room temperature. This will produce a generally clear coating. 1/3 of the coating thickness will build up per surface and 2/3 will be penetration.

Type II sulfuric anodizing provides for several desirable qualities such as:

Corrosion Resistance
Durability
Electrical Insulation
Can be dyed various colors

Sulfuric anodize coatings are often sealed to enhance corrosion resistance, lock in dyes, or both.

Hardcoat anodize, commonly referred to as Type III anodizing, is formed by using an electrolytic solution of sulfuric acid. This will produce a generally gray coating .001" to .002" thick with 50% buildup and 50% penetration.

Hardcoat anodizing provides for several desirable qualities such as:

Corrosion Resistance
Very High Durability
Electrical Insulation

D-CHN use of the Sanford Process® for hard coat anodize has the additional advantages over traditional hard coat anodize

Dying with bright colors (when the Sanford Quantum Process® is used)
Allows hard coating of all aluminum alloys including 2000 series and all cast alloys
Higher abrasion resistance
Uniformity of coating

About D-CHN
For more than forty years, D-CHN has been polishing its reputation for unsurpassed excellence. With D-CHN’s ISO-9001:2008 certified Quality System and strict quality controls in place, our company holds a leading position in the industry and provides state-of-the-art anodizing and metal finishing services covering a wide range of customer needs.

Aluminum Finishing and Anodizing Processing Available from D-CHN