Question 1

How do I request a quote?

Accepted Answer

Go to Request a Quote on our website, enter the material, treatment type, specification and quantity, and attach a drawing or photo. An estimated unit price based on similar past items is shown once the quantity and size are entered, and our staff review the drawing and specifications before sending a formal quotation. The estimated price is for reference only; contract terms are confirmed in the formal quotation.

Question 2

Do you handle small quantities or prototypes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EF Technology handles everything from small prototype quantities at the development stage to mass production. If a dedicated rack is required for a part, a separate rack (jig) cost may apply; this is explained at the quotation stage.

Question 3

Can you treat materials other than aluminum?

Accepted Answer

Our core processes are hard and soft sulfuric acid anodizing of aluminum. For other materials such as titanium and magnesium, send us the drawing and specifications and we will review feasibility and reply. Die-cast aluminum (ADC12, etc.) has limits on achievable thickness and color uniformity due to its material characteristics, so prior consultation is required. For thickness limits by material, see Design Guide › Alloy Characteristics .

Question 4

What is the difference between hard and soft anodizing?

Accepted Answer

Hard anodizing forms a thick, hard coating and is applied to parts that require wear resistance (brake and compressor components, etc.). Soft anodizing forms a thin, uniform coating and is applied to parts where corrosion resistance and appearance matter (housings, blocks, nozzles, etc.). For hard anodizing, coating thickness and surface hardness are controlled as separate items; for soft anodizing, thickness uniformity and appearance are controlled. For details, see the Hard Anodizing and Soft Anodizing pages and the selection criteria .

Question 5

How much do dimensions change after anodizing?

Accepted Answer

About half of the coating grows inward into the base metal and half grows outward. Each surface therefore grows by about 1/2 of the coating thickness: shaft diameters increase by the coating thickness, and hole diameters decrease by the same amount. Threads change more, so masking or post-machining must be specified on the drawing. Calculation methods and figures are available in Technology › Design Guide .

Question 6

Which specifications do you support?

Accepted Answer

EF Technology works to OEM and supplier specifications such as MIL-PRF-8625 Type II and III, ISO 7599, ISO 10074 and Hyundai/Kia MS633-06, as well as customer drawing specifications. The specification and class on the drawing, thickness measurement locations and sealing requirements are confirmed first, and control criteria are then set. Key public standards are collected under Resources › Standards .

Question 7

What colors are available?

Accepted Answer

The standard finish is undyed natural color, and the color varies with the alloy and coating thickness even under the same process. High-Si alloys give a gray base, while alloys high in Cu and Fe take on a reddish-brown tone. Black dyeing is available after specification review. Color criteria are agreed in advance using limit samples or color difference limits. Natural colors by alloy are summarized in Technology › Sealing & Color .

Question 8

Can rack marks (contact marks) be eliminated?

Accepted Answer

Anodizing requires current to flow through the part, so there is always a contact point with the rack, and no coating forms at that point. If acceptable locations are specified on the drawing, such as surfaces hidden after assembly or non-functional holes, contact points are placed there. Figures of contact marks and masking are available in Technology › Design Guide .

Question 9

Can I receive an inspection report?

Accepted Answer

EF Technology inspects the items required by the drawing, such as coating thickness, hardness and appearance, and issues an outgoing inspection report (a list of measuring equipment is available in R&D › Quality ). When reliability tests such as salt spray testing are required, the test frequency and items are agreed with the customer.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions