Observations on anodizing for small and mid‑size objects: how we achieve uniformity and what we consider acceptable variation.

Context

Industry: product design. Region: Europe. Scale:pilot batches. The goal is a durable, predictable finish with a uniform microtexture and a stable hue. Confidential parameters and suppliers are intentionally omitted.

Approach

Preparation. Control of sanding and chemical cleaning before anodizing; we fix grit and pressure.

Batches. We test ranges of current/time and bath temperatures; we compare samples in daylight and warm light.

Control. Forced aging for 72 hours; gloss and roughness readings as relative metrics.

Result

The acceptable hue variation is defined by a sample map; the microtexture sits within a narrow window that reads visually as a “clean surface without mirror.” A minor tone shift after packaging is noted - resolved by airing the object for 24 hours. Uniformity is not sameness; it’s controlled variation.

 

 

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