Hard anodizing 1x1

The term "hard anodizing" is often heard in shooting sports. But what does it mean?

Since aluminum itself does not exhibit good corrosion resistance and is also not particularly wear-resistant, appropriate post-treatment is essential for high-quality products. Anodizing is considered the industry standard as a reliable and proven method and is extremely popular, especially in shooting sports.

A distinction is usually made between "normal anodizing" and so-called hard anodizing. The difference is primarily based on process parameters such as the process temperature at which anodizing takes place. Hard anodizing uses lower bath temperatures, which makes it possible to achieve thicker anodized layers. To give you an idea of the difference, normal anodized layers are often around 10 µm thick, while hard anodizing is often set at 50 µm.

The anodized layer itself is a conversion layer, i.e., a layer that is not applied but is created by converting the surface. It is porous and has a honeycomb structure. Color pigments can then be stored in these pores. The anodized layer, which is actually transparent, then appears in the color of the pigments.

To ensure that the color pigments remain permanently in the pores and to further increase corrosion resistance, a process known as sealing is carried out. In a separate process step, part of the layer is converted into boehmite. Only the precise coordination of all these steps leads to an outstanding haptic result.

Source: Excerpt from brochure "HART-COAT" page 2 | Alberts Surface Technologies GmbH | Retrieved 13.11.24