AUTOMATION

Our computer-automated system controls and monitors your product through the entire anodizing process.  It tracks all aspects of the process including tank sequencing, time, temperature, voltage, current, etc. Our computer controlled hoist system ensures all material with the same job and process specification is moved through the same solutions for the same amount of time.

Four 4,000-pound cranes on each process line guide the material through our 29 process stations. Our two process lines give us the flexibility to process many types of aluminum shapes, sizes, and alloys in extruded, fabricated sheet, plate and cast forms.

 Our 20,000-ampere D.C. anodizing rectifiers along with our 450-ton chillers can handle loads up to 1,000 square feet at a time. This allows LINETEC to run large jobs in relatively short times.

 Our automated coloring system, utilizing a state-of-the-art control system coupled with our 6,000 ampere AC coloring rectifiers with D.C. capabilities, allows us to program color times to the second and color voltages to a tenth of a volt, assuring color consistency second to none.

RACKING

Racking for anodizing presents a unique challenge because of the amount and consistency of electrical current required. Our standard racking method for lineal extrusions is “rack welding” which utilizes a “tack weld” to connect your products to be anodized to the electrical bussing. This system not only holds your product firmly in place, but also provides a continuous electrical contact that minimizes the electrical resistance between all parts being anodized.  This type of racking system produces the most uniform anodizing and color consistency available while keeping all rack marks within one inch of the end of the extrusion.

 LINETEC also has the flexibility to “clamp rack” for handling prefabricated, cut-to-size, cast, formed or specialty parts.

THE ANODIZING PROCESS

The anodizing process begins with the material being cleaned in a non-etching alkaline chemical cleaner to remove all shop dirt, water, soluble oils, etc., which may have accumulated on the material during handling and/or manufacturing. LINETEC’S anodizing system will not remove non-water soluble oils, so please call for our assistance with suggestions on non-water soluble oils.

 After cleaning, the material is ready for caustic etching. The caustic etch process will produce a matte finish and also minimize minor surface imperfections such as light die lines and minor travel marks. Caustic etching will not eliminate ALL surface imperfections.  A good rule of thumb is if you can feel the imperfection with your fingernail prior to anodizing, it will likely not be removed by caustic etching.

Next, the material is desmutted and rinsed to remove residuals left from the caustic etch.  This is the final preparation stage prior to anodizing.

 The sulfuric acid (Type II) anodizing process utilized by LINETEC produces the protective and decorative oxide finish on aluminum. LINETEC anodizes per the AAMA 611 specification, although other specifications may be followed as required.

 If the material requires coloring, it is moved to an electrolytic two-step coloring tank.  Tin metal is electrochemically introduced into the anodic pores to produce bronze tones from light champagne to black.

SEALING

After anodizing and coloring the material is sealed in a mid temperature hydrothermal seal and then given a final hot water rinse. This final, important step assures that the high quality anodized finishes maintain their beauty for many years.