Last updated on June 26th, 2024 at 08:55 am
True or false: Aluminum is resistant to rust and decay.
The answer might surprise you. While pure aluminum is 100% corrosion-resistant; aluminum alloys are not. And pure aluminum is expensive, so unless you’re NASA, you’re looking at alloys for most or all of your parts.
So how do you protect your parts from corrosion?
Table of Contents
- 1 Don’t Just Anodize, Color-Anodize!
- 2 Why Color-Anodize?
- 3 When to Color-Anodize
- 4 Recommended Default Sheet Metal Tolerances
- 5 Color Anodize Sheet Metal Part FAQ
- 5.0.1 Is aluminum resistant to rust and decay?
- 5.0.2 What is the purpose of anodizing aluminum?
- 5.0.3 How does color-anodizing differ from standard anodizing, and why is it used?
- 5.0.4 What are some examples of when to use color-anodizing for aluminum parts?
- 5.0.5 What colors are available for color-anodizing aluminum parts?
Don’t Just Anodize, Color-Anodize!
Anodizing, the process of adding a thicker, oxide layer over aluminum to protect it from rust and wear, has been around for a long time. Anodizing not only protects aluminum alloys from weather and the elements, it can also provide electrical insulation. It’s especially important for parts that are routinely or constantly submerged in water.
When you anodize, you also get a better-looking product: it gives aluminum a smoother, scratch-free surface with no nicks or bumps.
At Approved Sheet Metal, we pride ourselves on precision sheet metal fabrication, but we like to have a little fun, too. And what better way to dress up your next sheet metal prototype or part than with color-anodizing?
The oxide layer created during anodization is porous, which allows for the introduction of color. For you creative types out there, that means aluminum parts can be more exciting than your standard metal, black, or clear finishes.
Why Color-Anodize?
Honestly--why not?
There’s a huge range of colors available for color anodizing. Make your next part stand out with one of these hues:
Teal, Brown, Gold, Grey, Pink, Blue, Green, Red, Orange, Purple
When to Color-Anodize
Color anodize if you want your part to grab attention (if it’s part of an emergency feature, for example), coordinate different pieces for ease of assembly, or simply stand out.
It’s perfect for products like:
- Aluminum artwork
- Aluminum signages
- Communication tools
- Automotive parts
- Medical devices
- Educational instruments
- Dock components
Add a pop of color to your next aluminum part while protecting it, too.
Request a quote for your next sheet metal fabrication project—and don’t forget to ask about color-anodizing!
Recommended Default Sheet Metal Tolerances
| DIM | Tolerance (MM) | Tolerance (Inches) | Description |
| A | ± 0.13 | ± 0.005 | Sheared Edge to Hole |
| B | ± 0.13 | ± 0.005 | 2 Holes on One Surface |
| C | ± 0.25 | ± 0.010 | Formed Edge to Hole |
| D* | ± 0.76 | ± 0.030 | Holes Across 2 Bends |
| E* | ± 0.76 | ± 0.030 | Holes Across 4 Bends |
| F | ± 0.25 | ± 0.010 | Sheared Edge to Bend |
| G | ± 0.38 | ± 0.015 | Across 2 Bends |
| H* | ± 0.76 | ± 0.030 | Formed Part |
Noted dimensions are to be taken while the part is in a restrained condition. Noted dimensions are for parts within a 12” envelope.
* Dimensions D, E and H are not recommended forms of dimensioning
These tolerances are recommended and best practices. We can obtain tighter tolerances (depending on part geometry/ construction), contact us for more information
Color Anodize Sheet Metal Part FAQ
The answer is both true and false. Pure aluminum is 100% corrosion-resistant, but most parts are made from aluminum alloys that are not. To protect aluminum alloys from corrosion, additional measures are necessary.
Anodizing is a process that adds a thicker oxide layer to aluminum to protect it from rust and wear. It is also used to provide electrical insulation and is particularly important for parts exposed to water.
Color-anodizing is a variation of anodizing that introduces color to the porous oxide layer. It is used to enhance the appearance of aluminum parts by offering a range of colors, making them more visually appealing and suitable for various applications.
Color-anodizing is ideal for parts that need to grab attention, coordinate with other pieces for assembly, or simply stand out. It's commonly used for aluminum artwork, signages, communication tools, automotive parts, medical devices, educational instruments, and dock components.
A wide range of colors is available for color-anodizing, including teal, brown, gold, grey, pink, blue, green, red, orange, and purple. These colors can add a pop of vibrancy to your aluminum parts while providing corrosion protection.
