We were challenged by a large European OE customer to develop an aesthetically pleasing alternative to painting a titanium substrate. The requirement was for a clean and environmentally friendly surface treatment process that allows a wide range of available colours and a low process time.
Challenge accepted
As RA customers know, our processes and techniques are proven, and our technicians are highly skilled, meaning that you can trust us to deliver components of the highest quality and performance every time.
In response to the challenge, after some deliberation and testing, our engineers found the ideal solution to be titanium anodising, a process involving the deliberate electrolytic oxidation of the surface of the titanium components.
Titanium anodising
Our anodising process involves variable parameter electrochemical treatments that can produce different colours of oxide layers on the titanium surface. These colours range from off-silver to a vibrant range of blues, purples, golds, and other colours.
Moreover, the oxide layer produces a clean finish on the titanium surface that effectively makes it immune to environmental corrosion, making the components last longer and perform better. Unlike painting processes, which effectively separate layers ‘stuck’ to the surface, anodising modifies the surface of the material to affect the coloured appearance.
Our process
As part of this process, we have invested in a new titanium anodising facility where we have developed the procedures and techniques necessary to achieve an aesthetically pleasing semi-gloss, or satin, rather than the more common matt finish to the surface. The equipment and technicians combine to ensure that every component’s colour finish is extremely consistent and meets the high standard of quality that our customer demands.
Added benefits
The anodising process adds optical optimisation of the finish to the more well-known high-strength, low corrosion properties of titanium. This permits engineers and designers to consider colour harmonisation for applications where high-temperature and optical performance are needed. Since the process uses only water and electricity as its main inputs, it is therefore environmentally friendly.
Unlike the more widespread industrial norms, RA’s process does not use aggressive acids or alkalis and the process generates very little waste, making it an ideal surface treatment solution for a clean and low impact method of colouring these high value component parts.
In conclusion
Managing Director, Mike Theaker, had this to say:
“We’re delighted with how our titanium anodising process hits the brief as an effective solution for achieving a unique finish on titanium OE components.
We plan to use our new titanium anodising facility to offer something different to the OE automotive sector. Watch this space for options on multi-stage processes that deliver a wide range of colours and multiple colour combinations.”