Anodising plant and equipment
Riley Industries, Europe’s major exporter of used anodising plant and equipment
Riley Industries is a major UK dealer in used anodising plant and equipment, supplying manufacturers and sub-contractors worldwide with all their anodising requirements.
Anodising is an electrochemical process for the oxidisation of aluminium to produce protective and decorative films on the aluminium. This changes the surface of the metal so that it can be treated in a variety of ways to render different colours and textures.
Typically, anodising utilises dilute solution of chromic acid for protective metal coatings and a dilute solution of sulphuric acid for decorative finishes. Once the pores of the metal have been opened by the electrochemical process, components can be immersed into a dye solution to apply a colour to the aluminium surface if required. They are then dipped in hot water to seal the coloured finish. A post process can also be utilised using clear lacquer simply to improve the appearance of the base metal.
Anodising plant and equipment consists of many kinds of components to make up a complete production line. These include:
- Tanks. For electrochemical treatments, rinsing, filtration and settlement.
- DC Rectifiers. In order to apply the appropriate electrical charge to the chemical solution.
- Heaters and chillers. To maintain the liquids used in the anodising process at their optimum temperatures.
- Agitation coils. In order to agitate the solution to achieve a suitably homogenous mixture.
- Cathode rod agitation. In order to introduce a more gentle ‘wave’ type agitation at critical parts of the process.
- Filtration. In order to ensure that solutions are maintained in their pure state at each stage of the anodising process, and to safely dispose of waste products.
- Drying. Utilising either air-blown drying units (air knives) or stoving ovens to dry the metal surface once it has achieved its desired finish.
- Extraction. Utilising either natural convection of fan-assisted suction to remove toxic fumes from the workplace.
