Summary for hard anodized aluminum part marking Discussion
hard anodized aluminum part marking is the core issue here: Tim Maxwell asked how to add a durable, high-contrast logo to a dark hard-anodized hand-tool handle without damaging the .002" coating, while keeping cost under $1 and surviving mild chemicals and autoclave cycles. He noted that laser engraving looks good but exposes bare aluminum that may corrode, and asked whether a different laser, pre-anodize marking, or printing method would work. The only answer in the thread came from Anheir Lu, who suggested touching up the laser-marked area with chemfilm (alodine) after laser marking. No other methods or tradeoffs were discussed in the excerpt, so the thread’s practical takeaway is limited to that post-mark treatment suggestion.
Q. We are designing a hand tool with a hard anodized handle. What is the best way to print/mark our logo on this handle without sacrificing the dark hard anodized layer (which is .002″ thick)? We would like this mark to be easily read, permanent and have high contrast to the dark (almost black) anodized coating.
This handle will be exposed to mild chemicals and autoclave cycles. A laser engraved mark looks great but it exposes bare aluminum that is prone to corrosion.
Is there any way of marking the anodized aluminum with a different type of laser?
Can we print or laser-mark the part prior to anodizing? This marking process must be affordable (under US $1.00). Any suggestions?
Thanks
Tim Maxwell
Industrial Designer – Almonte, Ontario, Canada
2005
A. You could do touch up with chemfilm (alodine) after laser mark.
Anheir Lu
– Los Angeles, California
December 4, 2014