Hard anodising is a process that improves the durability, appearance and corrosion resistance of aluminium and is widely applied in industries such as aerospace and defence. Critics sometimes question the safety and reliability of the process, so we will explore the question of whether anodised aluminium is indeed safe.
Why is aluminium anodised?
By immersing aluminium in an acid electrolyte bath and exposing it to an electric current, a protective layer is added that increases the durability of the underlying metal, particularly when exposed to demanding environments.
What safety considerations exist?
Both the acid electrolyte bath and electric current pose a safety hazard to untrained and inexperienced personnel, which is why the process should be conducted by experts such as www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/anodising/hard-anodising.
When performed in a safe environment by trained operators, hard anodising is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly process that strengthens and stabilises the properties of the aluminium that is treated. The process leaves no residue and has been regularly proven to adhere to stringent safety regulations.
Caring for anodised aluminium products
To ensure the ongoing safety and performance of anodised aluminium, treated products must be regularly cleaned to prevent corrosion using non-abrasive products and inspected at this point to check for damage that could indicate a problem.
In very harsh environments, additional protective coatings may be necessary and at all times, adherence to the stated environmental parameters is essential to benefit from optimal performance and safety.
In conclusion
The anodising process carries safety risks which are surmountable when conducted by trained specialists. Afterwards, the treated aluminium is safe to handle.