What Does Anodising Mean?

Anodising, also called ‘anodic polishing’ and ‘metal anodising’ is a method of polishing metal using an oxide layer. Anodising is used for both general purposes when polishing metal such as in anodising tools or equipment and is more specifically used to treat different types of metals including copper, stainless steel and aluminium. For more information on Hard Anodising, visit https://www.poeton.co.uk/treatments/

Anodised metal is very similar to polished metal, but it has a more oxide-like finish to it. When the anodisation is performed by hand, the metal is usually heated so that the surface of the metal is exposed for the polishing process. In this type of process, a compound metal is first coated in an anodic medium, usually oil, and then it is heated until it reaches around 300 degrees Celsius. The oxide layer is then added so that the metal will be more resistant to oxidation during the heat treatment process. When the anodising is finished, it will look like freshly polished metal and the metal will be left to cool before it can be polished again.

Anodising is not only used to treat metals but to remove different types of impurities from glass too. Anodised glass can be very shiny, which helps to enhance its look and the glass’s functionality and safety. A very popular use for anodised glass is on the windows of commercial buildings and even the windows of buses and vans. Anodised glass also has a unique property to reflect light in a certain way, which makes the glass much safer and also less prone to damage.