ANOFAST is an
additive to the conventional sulfuric acid anodizing
electrolyte. It operates by increasing the
conductivity of the electrolyte and providing for
chemical heat removal at the site of formation of
the anodic coating. This permits operation at lower
acid concentrations, thus reducing the rate at which
the newly formed anodic coating is re-dissolved in
the acid. It permits the formation of harder, more
uniform coatings at higher electrolyte temperatures.
Compared to
conventional sulfuric acid electrolytes and at
comparable voltages, the addition of ANOFAST allows
significantly higher current densities, thus
providing more rapid coating formation with
attendant time savings of 20% - 40%. At comparable
current densities, the required operating voltage is
reduced, thus reducing power consumption. In either
case, the higher electrolyte temperatures used for
ANOFAST allow substantial savings in refrigeration
power and reduce the anodizing power needed to
achieve the required coating thickness.
ANOFAST permits
satisfactory electrolyte operation at aluminum
concentrations of 30 - 35 g/l where aluminum
dissolution and dragout are equalized, thus
eliminating the need for periodic discarding of
electrolyte to control aluminum concentration. This
factor saves acid and neutralizer costs for most
installations, as well as saving downtime otherwise
needed for electrolyte maintenance. ANOFAST also
suppresses the fumes typically given off by a
sulfuric acid anodizing bath.
