Anodising is a common method of treating aluminium products. It can improve the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and aesthetics of a product. However, you may be curious about the Cost of Anodizing with aluminium parts.
The cost of anodizing aluminium depends on several factors, from the type of anodised aluminium used to the thickness of the coating, the size of the part and more. Once these factors are determined, the correct cost of anodising aluminium can be estimated. In this discussion we aim to answer a common question: How much does it cost to anodise aluminium? We will outline the various variables that affect the cost of anodising aluminium and provide guidance on how to approach the process.
Type II anodised aluminium costs between $65 and $125 and is limited to colours that are already available in an anodising furnace, such as clear or black. Bulk anodising is more cost effective. For example, a small electronic bracket can cost about $2 per unit for 200 or more.
Type III hard coat anodising can be more expensive and have longer lead times. To determine the cost of anodising, you need to determine the anodising process, number of parts and part size. Factors such as lead time, minimum order quantity and pre-treatment requirements (such as sandblasting) will all affect the cost. For example, consider a black anodised aluminium part with a minimum thickness of 15 microns. The cost of anodising depends on quantity and lead time.
After all variables are considered, the unit price for anodizing small parts typically ranges from $125 to just under $2. This depends on the size, order quantity, and process selected.
Anodising is often the preferred option for achieving the best surface finish on aluminium parts. However, this decision depends on the cost of anodising the required aluminium part. The factors that affect the cost of anodising aluminium parts are as follows
There are three anodizing techniques that you can use for your project. Let’s take a brief look at each.
The choice of type will have a significant impact on the cost of anodising aluminium. Of the three types, type 1 anodising is the most economical. This is because cheap materials such as chromic acid are used and energy consumption is lower. On the other hand, the cost of anodising aluminium increases with type 3. The reason for the increased cost is that more expensive materials such as sulphuric acid are used instead of chromic acid. The energy consumption is also higher. In general, the more types of anodising there are, the higher the cost of anodising aluminium.
The size of the material selected has a significant impact on the cost of anodising aluminium parts. The larger the size, the greater the surface area. This surface area requires more material and equipment to complete the process successfully.
In addition, an increase in the number of parts leads to an increase in labour and time requirements. This has a direct impact on the cost of anodising aluminium.
Bracketing is an important process that manages the workflow and ensures that there are secure electrical connections at all stages. Bracket types include clamp racks, weld racks, and bolt racks. This process ensures quality and has a significant impact on aluminum anodizing service costs. In the absence of a specified method, manufacturers choose a cost-effective method that maximizes production while minimizing costs. Specific racking requirements may limit the number of parts that can be processed at one time. This can result in an increased cost per part.
This refers to the thickness of the oxide layer on the surface of an aluminium part. This is a key factor in determining the cost of anodising aluminium. Selecting a base thickness is the most cost effective option. The thickness of the coating can impact the cost of an anodized aluminum finish in ways that may differ from common expectations. Thinner or thinner coatings are generally more expensive than thicker coatings. For example, a thickness of +/- .001″ will cost less than a thickness of +/- .0001″ because thicker oxide layers are easier to control. Achieving this level of control requires a great deal of experience and professionalism, which translates directly into higher anodising costs.
The specific requirements for the color will determine the overall cost of the anodizing process. Different anodized aluminum colors may involve different materials and processes, which can affect the overall cost.
In general, standard colors may be more cost-effective because they usually do not require many specialized materials and are part of regular production. On the other hand, custom or unique colors require additional steps, materials, or adjustments to achieve the desired hue. This may increase the cost of anodizing the aluminum.
When customers ask for additional processes to increase efficiency or improve product aesthetics, they should understand that these improvements come at an additional cost. Services such as plugging or masking holes require additional labour and time. While these additional services add value, they also add to the overall cost of anodising aluminium.
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