Science and Engineering of Hardcoat Anodizing

The LightMetals Institute, a division of LightMetals Industries, in cooperation with the Surface Finishing Academy will present an Advanced Seminar on the Science and Engineering of Anodizing and Hardcoat Anodizing. This course is taught by two industry experts who can translate what is learned in the lab to practical applications on the production line; because they've been there.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone with a basic understanding of anodizing should attend this course to learn Hardcoat Anodizing. This course will be a comprehensive study of the metallurgy, electricity, chemistry, and electrochemistry for the processing of aluminum in an engineered way to produce consistently excellent and repeatable hardcoat results, with increased cost savings. This advanced anodizing course is a must for shop owners, managers, engineers, production line operators and anyone with a rudimentary understanding of the anodizing process.

The key to cash flow and profitability in today's environment is to use "best practices", "lean operating methods" and to apply sound and proper science and engineering to your operation. Control is the key. When problems occur on the process line, getting to the "root cause" is critical so you can get back on track fast. We will address troubleshooting with a critical eye to correct procedures of evaluation and root cause analysis.

This course will give attendees the skills and knowledge to achieve consistency and efficiency in the shop while providing information which can lower operating costs and increase production throughput by eliminating errors, mistakes and inconsistent results.

Course Syllabus

1. Introduction
   1. Introduction to Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
   2. The Alloying Process
   3. Alloying Elements
   4. Heat Treating and Temper
   5. The Affects of these processes on Hardcoat Anodizing
2. Electricity for Anodizers
3. Chemistry for Anodizers
4. Racking
5. Cleaning
6. Etch/Desmut
7. Rinsing
8. Electrochemistry for Anodizers; the Hardcoat Anodizing Process
9. Post Treatment Processes
   1. Organic Coloring
   2. Electrolytic Coloring
   3. Sealing; types of sealing based on intended use of article
10. Trouble Shooting
11. Managing Quality
12. Lean Principles in a Wet Chemistry Job Shop