Anodizing

Anodizing

Enhanced durability and colour options for aluminium parts.

Process Overview

Anodizing

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the surface of aluminium into a durable, corrosion-resistant aluminium oxide layer. Unlike electroplating which deposits metal, anodizing grows an integral oxide layer into the aluminium surface. At Sunsai, we offer black color anodizing for a deep, professional finish, and matte anodizing for a natural silver-grey surface with improved hardness and corrosion resistance.

Coating Thickness

Color anodizing (black)

5 – 25 µm

Matte anodizing

5 – 25 µm

Typical Turnaround

4–6 business days (standard)

Anodizing example

Available Types

Types of Anodizing

Color Anodizing (Black)

The anodic oxide layer is dyed black before sealing, producing a deep, uniform matte-to-semi-gloss black surface. Black anodizing is the most commonly specified colour for industrial, architectural, and consumer electronics applications — offering excellent UV stability, corrosion resistance, and a professional appearance.

Matte Anodizing

A natural (undyed) anodic oxide with a controlled matte surface texture, produced by etching the aluminium before anodizing. Preserves the silver-grey metallic character of aluminium while significantly improving hardness, corrosion resistance, and paint/adhesive adhesion. Standard choice for industrial and structural aluminium components.

Why It Works

Key Advantages

  • Integral surface treatment — will not peel or chip
  • Significantly increased hardness and wear resistance
  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • Wide colour range available
  • Improved paint and adhesive adhesion
  • Environmentally responsible (no heavy metals)

Where It's Used

Applications

  • Architectural aluminium panels and profiles
  • Consumer electronics enclosures
  • Automotive aluminium trim
  • Sporting goods and bicycle components
  • Medical devices and equipment
  • Industrial aluminium machinery parts

Common Questions

Anodizing FAQs

No — anodizing is exclusive to aluminium and its alloys. It is an electrochemical process that grows an oxide layer from the aluminium itself, so it cannot be used on steel, brass, or other metals.

No — because the oxide layer is grown into the aluminium surface rather than deposited on top of it, anodizing will not peel or chip like a paint or coating can.

Black anodizing dyes the oxide layer for a deep, uniform black finish, while matte anodizing leaves the natural silver-grey aluminium colour with an etched, low-gloss texture.

How We Do It

Our Process

A proven, step-by-step approach — from surface preparation to final inspection.

1

Step 1

Degreasing & alkaline etch

2

Step 2

Desmut / brightening (optional)

3

Step 3

Anodic oxidation in sulphuric acid bath

4

Step 4

Dyeing (colour anodizing only)

5

Step 5

Sealing in hot deionised water or nickel acetate

6

Step 6

Final inspection & packaging

Anodizing is exclusive to aluminium alloys — it deposits no metal. The oxide grows both into and out of the aluminium surface. Black color anodizing requires a dye immersion step between oxidation and sealing; matte anodizing skips dyeing but uses an extended alkaline etch to develop a uniform low-gloss texture before oxidation. Dye uptake and final colour depth depend on alloy composition — some alloys (e.g. 2xxx series) anodize poorly.