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There are two main surface treatment methods of aluminum castings, powder coating and anodizing.
Powder Coating Process:
1. Clean the aluminum parts.
2. Spread the powder with a spray gun. The gun makes a negative electrostatic charge on the powder. The powder is attracted to the grounded aluminum part.
3. Cured the parts in an oven to keep the powder remains on the surface of the part. Then keep drying. After drying, the powder layer turns into a uniform and solid layer.
powder coating for aluminum casting
Anodizing Process:
Anodizing refers to a material protection technology that forms an oxide film on the surface of a metal material by applying an anode current in an electrolyte solution.
anodizing for aluminum casting
Comparison of powder coatings vs anodizing for aluminum castings:
Powder Coating |
Anodizing |
Can achieve thick coats, but it is very difficult to obtain a thin layer. |
Can be very thin. No changes to the part dimensions. |
Extraordinary variety in colors and textures can be achieved. |
Great variety of metallic colors, with smooth finishes. |
No solvents are involved in the process, making it very environmentally friendly. |
With proper electrolyte recycling, anodizing is very environmentally friendly. |
Excellent corrosion resistance. But easier wear and scratch more than anodizing. |
Good corrosion resistance, wear, scratch. |
Very resistant to color fading, even when exposed to UV light. |
With good sealing, can not be fading. |
There is Electrical conductivity in the coating. But not as good as bare aluminum. |
Makes the aluminum surface electrically non-conductive. |
More cost-effective than anodizing. |
Can be an expensive process. |
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