Anodizing on CNC aluminum grows an oxide skin after milling or turning. Type II takes dye for color; Type III (hard) is thicker for wear. It hides light cutter marks, adds corrosion resistance, and can electrically isolate the blank.
Anodizing is a CNC finishing step on AIHFABS. It runs after milling or turning so the blank leaves closer to a usable part — not only a machine finish. Use this page to decide whether Anodizing matches color, wear, or assembly needs before you upload a file.
Anodizing on CNC aluminum grows an oxide skin after milling or turning. Type II takes dye for color; Type III (hard) is thicker for wear. It hides light cutter marks, adds corrosion resistance, and can electrically isolate the blank.
Finishing is quoted with the machine work. Select Anodizing in checkout, review price and lead time, and keep machining plus post-processing on one order instead of sending a raw blank to a second shop.
Anodizing can hide cutter marks, even out color, or leave a uniform skin on housings, brackets, and review samples.
Depending on the process, Anodizing may improve wear, corrosion resistance, or grip so the machined part survives handling and end use.
When Anodizing sits on the same traveler as milling or turning, the part arrives closer to install-ready — color, coat, or threads already on it.
Ordering Anodizing uses the same upload as a standard CNC quote. You do not need a separate finishing RFQ for catalog options.
Use STEP, STP, or another supported format. The quoter reads the stock so finishing can be priced against the actual blank.
Pick milling, turning, or another CNC route, then add Anodizing and any other finishing the part needs.
Review options, confirm quantity, and place the order. Machining and finishing stay on one timeline and one invoice.
Anodizing is typically applied to metals — and some plastics — after CNC machining. Compatibility depends on alloy, wall thickness, and whether the surface can be reached by bath, media, or a tap. Deep pockets, thin walls, and datum faces may need a review. If the automatic quote cannot apply Anodizing, request a manual quotation.
Need Anodizing on a batch, a mixed set, or a part that also needs tapping or paint? Keep those options in the same quote so lead time includes the full stack.
These are the 3D Plus rows tied to Anodizing. Compare the look, extra days, and which materials each option supports before you upload.
Anodizing is an electrochemical surface treatment that enhances aluminum parts by growing a controlled, durable oxide layer. Available in select colors (Blue, Green, Red, Yellow, Black, Silver) – please specify color requirements in the order remarks.
Compatible materials
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Hard anodizing transforms aluminum into an ultra-tough surface, ideal for parts exposed to heavy friction, harsh environments, or repeated impact.
Compatible materials
Quote this finishOnly these grades can take this finish in the instant quote. Open a material for specs, or upload a file and the quoter will only show compatible options.
Answers that apply to Anodizing on AIHFABS 3D Plus hardware — materials, size change, and how to order it with the print.
Anodizing on CNC aluminum grows an oxide skin after milling or turning. Type II takes dye for color; Type III (hard) is thicker for wear. It hides light cutter marks, adds corrosion resistance, and can electrically isolate the blank.
Anodizing is a color or optical finish. SLS and MJF nylon take dye; resins take paint, primer, frosting, and clear coats; aluminum and other metals take anodizing, plating, or e-coat. The quoter only offers Anodizing when the selected material can accept it.
Paint, plating, and e-coat add a thin film. Dye soaks into nylon with little build-up. Frosting and clear coats change how light hits the surface more than the CAD size. Call out fits and optical faces in the quote notes so they can be masked.
Anodizing is for aluminum alloys. Electroplating can go on several conductive metals and some plated plastics after a conductive coat. Tell us the print alloy so we can confirm Anodizing.
Upload the CAD file, choose a print process and material, then turn on Anodizing. Price and lead time update on the same order. If the automatic quote cannot apply it, request a manual quotation and note fits or color codes.
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