Type III (Hardcoat) Anodizing
Type III (Hardcoat) anodizing forms a very hard, dense, and relatively thick coating. It is used whenever the application calls for a super hard surface. The process is similar to Sulfuric Anodizing, but the layer of aluminum oxide is produced at much higher voltage and cooler temperatures.
Hardcoat anodizing is generally not colored or dyed. However, a variety of shades from grey to black can be achieved by altering temperature, voltage and the chemical composition of the solution. Different aluminum alloys also yield different shades of gray. Hardcoat anodizing is used in in aerospace, marine, cookware, food processing and a wide variety of uses in other industries.
- Highly abrasion resistant surface (60 – 70 Rockwell C)
- Thickness ranges from 0.0005 – 0.003 inches (half build and half penetration)
- Wears better
- Corrosion resistance
- MIL-A-8625 Type III
- MIL-STD- 171
- AMS 2468
- Variety of masking options
- In-house Salt Spray testing
- In-house nondestructive testing
- Post anodize seals ( though these may decrease hardness)
- Normal turn time is three to five working days (without masking)
- Slightly longer turn time if intricate masking required
- Expediting available when possible for an additional fee