Aluminium has the property of covering its surface with a thin layer of oxide. This layer of Al2O3 has an average thickness of 0.01 µm on the surface that has been previously pickled. This layer is weak to corrosive mediums; therefore protecting the aluminium is necessary for applications where corrosion is predominant.

The best way to protect the aluminium from such corrosive environments is covering its surface with a thick layer of oxide, of up to 0.025mm (25 microns). The industrial process used to achieve this protection is known as anodizing, this consists of provoking a controlled growth of an anodic film of Al2O3 on the aluminium surface.

GIA installs complete anodizing plants for aluminium based on our own engineering and technology.