The aerospace industry is a demanding market. Requiring advanced deposits which are applied consistently for each repair or OEM application. Many times, a critical area of the component is the inside diameter (ID). During tank anodizing, the inside and outside diameters (OD) do not build at the same rate. Often, the OD will meet thickness requirements while the ID remains significantly undersized. While custom cathodes can be developed for specific tank applications, it is costly and time-consuming.

Selective anodizing with the SIFCO Process® can ensure that the desired build is achieved on all areas for your components. Mostly used for touch-up and repair, selective anodizing allows the solution to reach areas that tank plating can’t or may have missed. These defects can occur from rack marks, rough handling, dirty areas, or errors in masking. Selective anodizing even permits the repair of the anodic layer without the need for stripping.

There are six principal types of anodized coatings: chromic, sulfuric, hard coat, chromic-sulfuric, boric-sulfuric and phosphoric. Depending on the type of anodizing process used, an anodized coating can provide improved wear resistance, corrosion protection, dimensional restoration and/or improved adhesive properties. These types of anodizing differ in the electrolytes used, the typical thickness of the coating formed, and the purpose of the coating.

The SIFCO Process® of selective anodizing can be used for many OEM and repair applications. Areas can range from small and simple, to large and complex. The process is portable and can be used both in the shop and the field. What’s more, the SIFCO Process® already meets the following specifications:

  • MIL-A-8625
  • AMS 2470
  • AMS 2471
  • AMS 2472
  • AMS 2468
  • AMS 2469
  • SS8481
  • and more