Titanium
Anodizing - Overview
Titanium
Anodizing is often used in the metal finishing of products,
especially those used in the medical device and aerospace industries.
The process provides the advantages of hardening (TYPE II see
below) and coloring the surface of titanium components without
altering the mechanical properties of the metal. Imparting
lasting color to a component's surface allows the easy identification
of devices and parts. The benefits of this are essential in
surgical applications and in the assembly of complex electronic
or mechanical devices. Titanium is an extremely hard, durable
metal used in a variety of applications. Titanium anodizing
is a specialized capability which is not standard throughout
the metal finishing industry. It is, however, essential to
engineers and manufacturers who are relying more and more on
the strength and applicability of titanium products in today's high-tech markets.
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Process
Titanium
anodizing itself is a process that adjusts the oxide level of metal
surfaces. This adjustment changes the spectrum of light, resulting
in perceived color. By precisely controlling the surface oxide
level, an entire range of colors can be produced. Titanium anodizing
is not a coating, nor does it use dyes. Voltage applied to the
part through fixturing, in an electrolytic bath, controls the color.
Therefore, the integrity and properties of the base metal along
with its suitability in biomedical applications are not compromised.
The
Electrolizing Corporation of Ohio has developed its own process,
TiMed titanium anodizing. The discovery of a
proprietary chemical compound produced better, more efficient
results and helped eliminate residuals from the anodized metal
surface. The process is non-polluting and offers a wider range
of colors than conventional methods. Electrolizing's method
also offers greater process control for precise, cost-effective
titanium
anodizing.
Applications
Color coding
of components and devices greatly reduces errors in assembly or use.
In medical and dental applications, color coding for size allows
instant recognition of needed parts when time and accuracy are critical.
Orthopedic implants, dental implants, medical instruments and device
components can be coded with standardized or specialty colors to
increase efficiency during surgery. In aerospace or other highly
technical applications, color coding provides unambiguous identification
of parts for ease, speed and accuracy of assembly.
Type
II Titanium Anodizing
The Electrolizing
Corporation of Ohio also performs TYPE II titanium anodizing in
accordance with the SAE AMS 2488 standard. Although originally
developed in the aerospace industry, TYPE II also has many benefits
for the medical industry for both devices and implants. The advantages
of the TYPE II anodic treatment in comparison to the conventional
finish include increased lubricity, fatigue strength, and it is
an excellent anti-galling coating. These characteristics lead to
significant improvement in implant performance and durability.
TYPE II anodizing penetrates the titanium rather than build up
at the surface, resulting in no dimensional changes after processing.
This coating is gray in color, which makes it easily distinguishable
from stainless steel.
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Copyright
© 2008 The Electrolizing Corporation of Ohio