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Anodizing creates a durable coating that can be great for medical device parts. If aesthetics matter, it's important to consider the inputs into anodizing.
Aluminum naturally reacts with air to form an aluminum oxide on surfaces. Aluminum oxide is quite hard, but the surface oxidation is not very thick. Through the process of anodizing, the oxide coating is thickened and becomes a very useful barrier against corrosion. This is anodizing's main function. However, because the anodized surface is also porous, dyes can be added to make parts a variety of colors.
Machining passes leave marks where the cutter has removed material. Using those marks to leave a pleasing pattern enhances an otherwise utilitarian component.
Often the visible surfaces are not 100% machined. Castings are only partially machined, or some of the raw aluminum stock surface is left behind. Is anodizing medical devices still an option? But there are a number of pitfalls to beware.
1. Anodizing Will Not Turn Ugly Parts into Beautiful Parts
It will simply turn ugly parts in to colorful ugly parts. Recall the catch phrase, "garbage in,...