Glossary

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  • ABRASIONS
    Light marks or scuffs on the metal surface generally caused by handling or packing materials.
    ACID
    A chemical substance whose properties include the ability to react with bases or alkalines in water solutions to form salts.
    Acids lower the pH of water solutions. Many soils are weakly acidic and are more easily removed in alkaline wash solutions.
    ADHESION
    The ability of a substrate to accept and retain a finish
    ALKALI
    A chemical substance such as an hydroxide or carbonate of sodium or potassium, which reacts with and neutralizes an acid.
    ALKALINE SALTS
    Any salt created by removing water from an alkaline solution.
    ALKALINITY
    A property of water soluble substances or mixtures causing the concentration of hydroxyl ions (OH-) in water solutions to be higher than the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+).   Alkalinity is exhibited in solution by alkalines such as sodium hydroxide and by alkaline salts such as sodium carbonate.
    ALLOYS
    A designation used to identify either the result of a blending of metals or those metals added to the base metal to create the blend.
    ALUMINUM ANODIZERS COUNCIL (AAC)
    A national body representing anodizers  responsible for establishing anodizing specifications.
    ALUMINUM ASSOCIATION (AA)
    A national body representing aluminum producers responsible for establishing aluminum specifications.
    ALUMINUM OXIDE
    The composition of the anodic film on the surface of aluminum after anodizing.
    ANODIC FILM
    The aluminum oxide layer created after anodizing.
    ANODIZING
    Anodizing is the chemical conversion of the surface of aluminum. It is a reacted finish that is integrated with the underlying aluminum for total bonding and unmatched adhesion.
    ANOLOK
    A commercial designation for 2-step electrolytic anodizing.
    BATCH ANODIZING
    Involves racking parts and immersing them in a series of treatment tanks.
    BRIGHTENING or BRITE DIP
    The chemical brightening of aluminum using phosphoric acid anodizing.
    CAUSTIC
    A strong base; the term, when used alone, usually refers to caustic soda (sodium hydroxide).
    CHLORIDE SALT
    A salt formed from hydrochloric acid.  There are thousands of chloride salts, including common table salt (sodium chloride).
    CLEAR
    The designation given an anodized part that has not been coloured.
    COLORING
    The introduction of dyes into the anodizing process that colours the anodic film.
    CONTINUOUS COIL ANODIZING
    Involves continuous unwinding of pre-rolled coils through a series of anodizing, etching and cleaning tanks, and then rewinding for shipment and fabrication.
    CORROSION
    A term that generally describes the results of a chemical reaction that has a negative effect on quality of a part or its surface.  Corrosion can exist between dissimilar metals and metals and solutions, liquid or airborne.
    CORROSION RESISTANCE
    The ability of a substance to withstand a specific element or environment.
    DEGREASER
    A speciality product that removes grease and greasy / oily soils.  Designed more for hard surfaces than for fabrics, degreasers may be used for pre-treatment or as the sole cleaning agent, but their use should always be followed by rinsing.
    DYES
    Organic and inorganic substances that can add colour to the anodic film.
    ELECTROLYTES
    A metallic salt solution that has the ability to carry current.
    ETCHING
    A chemical change on the surface of aluminum.  Typically, the chemical removal of a thin layer of metal using an alkaline solution.
    GLOSS
    The degree that which a surface reflects light.
    HARD ANODIZING
    A unique method of anodizing that produces a thick, hard film.
    HIGHLY SPECULAR
    A term describing a brilliant surface usually created by buffing aluminum prior to phosphoric anodizing.
    INFUSIONS
    Foreign matter that has been introduced into the surface of a part.  This can occur because of polishing, handling, or poor billet quality.
    LIGHTFASTNESS
    The ability of a finish to withstand the negative effects of UV light.
    MATTE
    The flat, non-glossy finish after etching.
    pH
    A chemical symbol expressing the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.  The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 indicating neutrality. The number increase as alkalinity increases and decrease as acidity rises.
    PHOSPHORIC ACID
    The most common of the acids based on phosphorus; also called orthophosphoric acid.
    WATER HARDNESS
    Soluble metal salts, principally those of calcium and magnesium, and sometimes iron and manganese, that when present in water in sufficient amounts create cleaning problems.