Hard Anodized Aluminum
Because of its lighter weight and non-conductivity, hard anodized aluminum has become a popular alternative to steel in manufacturing circles. But many applications call for a process called anodizing to give aluminum a stronger surface. Essentially, anodizing involves immersing aluminum in a bath of sulfuric acid, called an electrolyte, and running a low-voltage electric current through the acid solution. The result of normal anodizing is a thin coating of aluminum oxide (rust) on the surface of the original aluminum sheet. If the acid solution is cooled to the freezing point of water and the amount of electric current increased substantially, however, the process is called hard anodizing.
Hard anodization is an electro-chemical process that hardens aluminum. Aluminum is placed in an acid bath and given an electrical charge. This combination causes a controlled oxidation to occur. The aluminum combines with oxygen at the surface to produce aluminum oxide. Hard anodized nonstick cookware is cookware that has undergone this process followed by an application of traditional nonstick products.
Hard anodizing produces an extremely durable pan that has twice the hardness of stainless steel. This cookware has an extremely long lifespan and can resist abrasion and corrosion. The surface will not chip or peel and it can handle extremely high heat levels without damage to the finish.
Hard anodized products are more commonly found in industrial or commercial applications than in consumer products. Some aluminum cookware may be processed through hard anodizing, but regular anodizing generally produces the durable non-stick coating preferred by consumers. Hard anodized produces a much thicker coating of aluminum oxide, penetrating holes and fissures in the surface to create a more uniform appearance than regular anodized aluminum. Aluminum sheets processed by hard anodizing may have a dark brown or black surface, but other colors can be created.
Hard Anodized Process
The process of hard anodizing was originally developed for use in the restaurant industry. Chefs desired heavy durable pans to hold up to the abuse of cooking many meals per day. Consumers who were able to sneak looks at the heavy durability and darkened colors of hard anodized cookware found them highly appealing.
Standard hard anodized cookware is close to nonporous. This means that foods are less likely to stick even to these unfinished surfaces. For those who desire even more slickness to their pans, manufacturers have developed hard anodized nonstick cookware.
The benefits of hard anodizing aluminum instead of using stainless steel are lower overall cost and weight. Machining hard anodized aluminum is easier than penetrating a similar block of stainless steel. Hard anodizing also yields a product resistant to harsh weather, salt sprays and abrasive machining processes. Aluminum processed by hard anodizing can be only a few points away from the hardness of diamonds.
Hard Anodized and Teflon
Hard Anodized
The automobile industry and the commercial cookware industry have both been long-time proponents of hard anodizing. Nonstick coatings such as Teflon® must have a reliable method for application which can create a strong adhesive bond. Hard anodizing can incorporate Teflon® or other substances during the electrolytic process. Some automotive parts also benefit from the hard anodizing process, since the finished product can withstand heat and is non-conductive.
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