Categories Starting with 'A' (Page #4)

Anodizing is a type of electrolytic process used for the passivation of metal components, usually performed on aluminum parts. Passivation of the component is achieved by increasing the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of the metal component, thus protecting the component from corrosion. The anodizing process involves using the object or component to be anodized as the anode of an electrical circuit and immersing it in an electrolyte bath. When electricity is passed through the circuit, an oxide layer is formed on the anode. Apart from corrosion prevention, anodizing is also used as a cosmetic surface enhancement process, especially with the added use of dyes.

Annealing is a heat-treating operation wherein metal is heated to a temperature above its critical range, held there long enough to allow full recrystallization, then slowly cooled through the critical range. Annealing removes working strains, reduces hardness, and increases ductility.

An aluminum beam is made from an alloyed billet which is heated to a temperature at which it is soft and malleable, but below the melting point. It is then forced, under thousands of pounds of pressure, through a die that replicates a design specification into lengths up to 150 feet. The extrusion is then cooled, straightened, cut to the desired length and baked in an oven to achieve the desired hardness.

Aluminum foils are slender aluminum sheets rolled to customized gauges from ingots constituted of different alloys. Popularly termed al-foil or alu-foil, they are characterized by high malleability, which makes the process of bending or wrapping facile. They also exhibit high reflectivity as well as a higher matte. They are popularly used for packaging, cable liners, insulation and heat exchangers. Bulky foils made of aluminum form a part of decoration, crafts and art, especially in lustrous metallic colors.