Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Difference between non etch finish and anodizing

2006

I was aware of anodizing and have been quite comfortable with that.
Recently when I asked my vendor to do the clear anodizing, he proposed me the non etching process. He gave few samples done by the non etching process.The surface is not smooth and nowhere equivalent to anodized finish.

Can somebody explain to me the difference between the anodizing and non etching process.

Kumars
tpty, India

---

You have almost surely received anodized parts, Kumars. The anodized finish itself is virtually clear. So the appearance of the parts will vary depending on whether the parts were etched to a matte finish before anodizing, bright dipped to a highly reflective finish before anodizing, or left in their "raw" state before anodizing. It sounds like you want a nice matte etch before anodizing, so that is what you need to specify.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006