Anodizing is an electrochemical process which coats the surface of the aluminum with a long-lasting, high-performance, protective or decorative oxide finish. Unlike most other finishes, anodizing preserves the natural luster, texture, and beauty of the aluminum.

Because it’s integrated into the metal instead of just applied to the surface, the coating is hard, durable, more resistant to corrosion and abrasion, will never peel or chip, and, under normal conditions, will never wear through. Depending on the process, the anodized finish is the second hardest substance known to man, exceeded only by the diamond.

As North America’s premier supplier of aluminum tubing, Hydro Extrusion offers products for virtually any type of application, as well as an exceptional selection of extruded aluminum shapes, sizes, alloys and tempers, utilizing both direct and indirect extrusion methods. We also offer a full range of services in clear and electrolytic colored anodic coatings and acid etch anodizing.

Applications for Anodized Aluminum

Because anodizing is such a versatile process, there are literally thousands of different applications, including but not limited to:

• Construction
• Marine
• Automotive
• Architectural products like windows and doors
• Elevator doors and escalators
• Appliances
• Cookware
• Furniture
• Sporting goods
• Medical equipmentRecreational vehicles

Benefits of Anodizing Aluminum

Anodizing aluminum tubing enhances the already advantageous characteristics of aluminum in these, and other, ways:

• Durability:
  The anodized layer makes the extrusion more resistant to normal wear and tear. The finished product will enjoy a long lifespan and require little maintenance. It can be restored to its original luster with gentle cleaning.
• Stable color:
  Anodic dyes seep into the porous surface of the aluminum, making the colors very stable. Anodized aluminum maintains its color in spite of exposure to UV rays. It will not flake, peel or chip, and extrusions will look like new for many years. 
• Beauty:
  Anodized aluminum maintains its metallic appearance but color and gloss can easily be applied. 
• Strength:
  The anodized aluminum surface is harder than pure aluminum, and second only to diamonds with respect to its hard crystalline structure.
• Corrosion resistance:
  Once properly sealed, the thick anodized coating makes the surface more resistant to corrosion and prevents further oxidation. 
• Value:
  Finishing costs and maintenance costs are low, giving anodized products a better value in the long term.

Hydro Extrusion integrates fabrication facilities into our extrusion operations, so you can sequence 100% usable net weight parts directly into a production line. We offer complete capabilities in precision cutting, CNC machining, punching, bending, forming, deburring, beveling/chamfering and welding, as well as anodizing and painting.

We offer unprecedented technical competencies that enable us to provide the most comprehensive line of extrusion products, including standard and custom shapes (solid, semi-hollow and hollows), seamless and structural tube and pipe, anodized aluminum tubing, standard high fin and thin fin heat sinks, and more.