Anodising UK
Riley Industries, a major exporter of used anodising UK plant and equipment
Riley Industries is a major dealer in used anodising UK plant and equipment, supplying manufacturers and sub-contractors worldwide with all their anodising requirements.
Anodising is an electrochemical process for the de-oxidisation of aluminium, changing 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 chromic acid for protective metal coatings and sulphuric acid for decorative finishes. Once the pores of the metal have been opened by the electrochemical process, components are immersed into a dye solution to apply the required colour to the aluminium surface. They are then dipped in hot water to seal the coloured finish. The process can also be applied 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 Ray 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 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.
