Summary for alodine vs anodize Discussion
Alodine vs anodize is the core question here: the asker wanted a general explanation of conductive and non-conductive aluminum finishing processes for an enclosure that must provide both electromagnetic shielding and environmental sealing. The answer explains that Alodine and Alochrom are the same thing—Henkel trade names for chromate conversion coatings. These coatings are conductive, corrosion resistant, and do not use an electrolytic process, which makes them suitable where electrical continuity matters. Anodizing, by contrast, is an electrolytic process that builds an aluminum oxide layer on the part. It is usually more durable and more corrosion resistant than chromate conversion coatings, but it is more expensive and non-conductive. The practical takeaway is that the choice depends on whether conductivity or maximum corrosion resistance is the higher priority for the enclosure.
Q. I would like to get a general description and the differences between conductive and/or non-conductive processes such as Alodine, anodize & alochrome. I want to implement this in my aluminum enclosure that will be used for both electromagnetic shielding & environmental sealing.
Silulami Doyi
signal processing for mining systems – Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
2004
A. Alodine and Alochrom are the same thing, trade names of Henkel for chromate conversion processes. Such treatments are conductive and corrosion resistant, and do not involve electrolytic processes. Anodizing is an electrolytic process that deposits aluminum oxide on the parts. It is more durable and more corrosion resistant (usually) than chromate conversion coatings, but is more expensive and non-conductive.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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2004