Our Processes
Anodizing
Anodizing is one of several ways to surface-treat aluminum. In anodizing, pure aluminum is converted to aluminum oxide through a controlled electrolytic oxidation process. The material is connected as an anode in a 20% sulfuric acid solution. Sometimes anodizing is also called anodizing or anodizing.
An aluminum part that has gone through this process gains new properties. It has high resistance to wear, is dirt-repellent, and is also decorative! The aluminum oxide that has been created can be colored. The standard colors are black, blue, red and gold. Anodizing is used for formats up to 2000 x 1100 x 500 mm.
Anodizing also makes the part electrically insulating, it no longer conducts current. It also provides excellent protection against corrosion in harsh environments. No foreign metals or substances are added during the process and it is approved for contact with food according to the EU directive RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances).
Read moreHard anodizing
In addition to conventional anodizing, we have also been producing hard anodizing for several years. This makes us an even more complete supplier of aluminum surface treatment.
Hard anodizing differs from conventional anodizing in terms of production technology. Here, the electrical voltage and current are increased. At the same time, the process takes place at a lower temperature. The method produces a surface layer with a higher proportion of oxide, fewer and smaller pores, which gives an even harder and more durable surface. Typical areas of use are in aviation, hydraulics and medicine.
Hard anodized products can be colored black as standard. We can perform hard anodizing in formats up to 500 x 400 x 300 mm.
If you need increased durability and/or a "High Tech" look for your parts, please contact us!
Read moreColoring
An anodized, and to some extent also a hard anodized surface layer can be colored. Color and shade depend on many factors, such as choice of alloy, color pigment and concentrations.
Ahlins has the best conditions and can offer a large selection of colors. As standard and in stock for anodized parts, black, red, blue and gold are always available. For hard anodizing, the standard color is black. In both cases, we can offer other colors.
The color chart from one of our color suppliers shows examples of more pigments that we offer.
Read morePassivation
In November 2019, we started passivation of aluminum with Surtec 650 at Ahlins. It is the first addition to our process flora since we started with hard anodizing 10 years ago, says Elisabeth Sandberg, Site Manager. The process is also called Chromital or Chromital TCP and is mainly used as either a substrate for, for example, painting, or in cases where low electrical resistance is desired.
The American MIL standard MIL-DTL-5541F governs the approach to the process. Class 1A for the best corrosion protection and adhesion for subsequent treatments. Class 3 for the lowest electrical resistance.
The protection that is created not only prevents further oxidation but also conducts current. We have already identified a number of existing customers who will use Ahlins for this process, says Rikard Ottosson, who works with inside sales at Ahlins.
We naturally also welcome new customers who need corrosion protection for aluminum with a conductive layer or as a base for paint, says Rikard.
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