What is Hard coat?

Developed more than forty years ago, hard coat is an electrochemical process that involves placing an aluminum part into an electrolytic bath and applying electrical current through the bath. This process forms an oxide coating (sapphire-hard) on the aluminum part. The oxide coating is built up by a process of anodic oxidation in a cooled acid electrolyte, thus preventing any thermal or physical distortion of precision-engineered components. This oxide coating can be harder than case hardened steel and provide excellent abrasion resistance; it is protective to the aluminum part and can be very durable.

The thickness of the hard coated piece is very closely controlled and is applied to a wide variety of parts to suit applications from many industries. Secondary treatments such as impregnation with solid film lubricants and colored dyes are available.