Anodizing là một quá trình điện hóa để chuyển đổi bề mặt kim loại thành một vật trang trí, bền chặt, chống ăn mòn, kết thúc oxit anốt. Nhôm là lý tưởng phù hợp để anot hóa, mặc dù các kim loại màu khác, chẳng hạn như magiê và titan, cũng có thể được anốt hóa.
The anodic oxide structure originates from the aluminum substrate and is composed entirely of aluminum oxide. This aluminum oxide is not applied to the surface like paint or plating, but is fully integrated with the underlying aluminum substrate, so it cannot chip or peel. It has a highly ordered, porous structure that allows for secondary processes such as coloring and sealing.
Anodizing is accomplished by immersing the aluminum into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current through the medium. A cathode is mounted to the inside of the anodizing tank; the aluminum acts as an anode, so that oxygen ions are released from the electrolyte to combine with the aluminum atoms at the surface of the part being anodized. Anodizing is, vì thế, a matter of highly controlled oxidation - the enhancement of a naturally occurring phenomenon.