Electrolytic Two-Step Anodizing, also know as Architectural Anodizing, is the process in which the base metal has an AC current applied to it as it is immersed in a dye bath containing metal ions after the standard anodizing process occurs. The color will depend on the amount of time the metal is left in the solution.
Electrolytic Two-Step Anodizing is energy efficient and helps with light fastness, heat resistance, weather resistance, and chemical resilience. Standardly used in architectural, automotive, and other industry’s where pieces may be subjected to constant weather or sunlight for an extended period of time.
Custom NIA ultra-black anodize.
2-step electrolitical architectural anodize
Base metals are washed with a commercial soap to clean away oils and other surface debris.
Base metal is submerged in a cold rinse tank where commercial soap and surface debris are washed away.
Base metal is submerged in a sodium hydroxide based etch that takes away surface imperfections, scratches, minor scuffs, etc.
Base metal goes through a cold and warm rinse to remove sodium hydroxide based etch chemicals.
Deoxidizer is used to remove any film left from the etching process, leaving the metal brighter.
A cold rinse is used to remove leftover deoxidizer from the base metal to prepare it for the anodizing process. This is the final step in the cleaning process.
The base metal is submerged in a sulfuric acid bath to perform a controlled natural oxidation process.
A three-step rinse process to clean and clear the sulfuric acid and remaining surface oxidation away.
The anodized material is immersed in a dye bath containing metal ions and an AC current is applied.
Freshly dyed metal is rinsed to remove unabsorbed dye.
A sealant is applied to the anodized material to help corrosion resistance and dye retention.
A normal rinse is then followed by a heated rinse in the final steps of the anodizing process.
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