hard anodising

Hard anodising is an electrochemical process in which the surface of a metal, most commonly aluminium, is strengthened by forming a layer of harder and wear-resistant oxide on its surface. As a result of the controlled electrochemical reaction, an anodic layer is formed with increased hardness and corrosion resistance, making the material ideal for applications requiring strength and longevity, such as structural components, tools or machine parts.

Hard anodising is a variation of anodising that is designed to optimise the resulting oxide coating parameters mainly in terms of hardness and abrasion resistance.

There is a huge difference between hard anodising type III and conventional anodising type II. Many service providers on the market offer the conventional process as the HC process, in effect misleading customers. The quality of such coatings usually has nothing to do with the actual HC process. By way of illustration, a thickness of 30-50 microns can also be obtained from the conventional process, although such a coating has very low hardness and abrasion resistance.

The actual HC process:

is conducted at a low temperature close to zero the lower the better the hardness but the greater the risk of the workpiece burning. (Conventional 20-25 deg C)
electrolysis is carried out at high current densities and voltages, with high layer voltages even above 120 V (conventional 18-25 V)
Additives support the temperature tolerance of the process, but do not increase hardness.

By following these process recommendations, extreme coating thicknesses and hardnesses can be achieved. However, the energy costs , the risk of destroying parts are many times higher. Therefore, the price for 'proper' hard anodising is considerably higher than for conventional anodising.

We offer you the latest variation of the HC process in two variants. This is the only hard anodising in Poland with monomers, so-called composite hard anodising. The aim of this process is not only to achieve high hardness, but to change the nanostructure of the coating by embedding a polymer throughout which multiplies the coating parameters in terms of abrasion resistance.

In addition to the unique hard anode technology, we also offer you the possibility to coat large-size components as the only anodising in Poland. (Window 4200 wide x 1450 high x 350 mm deep)

The process is licensed, it is used worldwide to coat components that are exposed to extreme use parameters in many industries e.g. automotive, military, medical or aerospace.

The process is patented. We are the only plant in Poland with a licence, knowledge and support from the creators of the technology. You are welcome to cooperate with us.

Yours sincerely
Daniel Leśniewski, M.Sc.
President Galwano-Perfekt Sp. z o.o. Sp. k