Pretreatment before anodizing
E0 and E6 etching, brightening and electrochemical polishing to gloss and semi-gloss. We prepare the surface right on the anodizing line.
E0 and E6 etching, brightening and electrochemical polishing to gloss and semi-gloss. We prepare the surface right on the anodizing line.
The look of the anodizing is decided before anodic oxidation. With chemical pretreatment we set whether the surface will be finely matt, uniformly matt or glossy.
Etching chemically removes oxide layers and residues by dissolving the surface. The surface becomes matt in the process, and we set the degree of matting to your requirement. E0 etching is a light etch with surface activation and a finely matt look; E6 etching takes place in a special bath and gives a uniform matt surface. For a glossy look we offer electrochemical polishing for technical and decorative purposes, to gloss and semi-gloss. You will find mechanical pretreatments (grinding, brushing, polishing and NANO MATTE Blasting) on separate pages.
Aluminium and aluminium alloys
Part of the anodizing order, delivery in 5 to 10 working days
Right on the anodizing line
A finely matt, uniformly matt or glossy look as required.
Surface activation before anodic oxidation.
Electrochemical polishing for technical and decorative purposes.
Why pretreatment matters
Find out in 30 seconds what pretreatment your part needs. If you are not sure, send us a drawing. A technician will assess it and suggest a suitable treatment.
Uniform matt look
After anodizing, the parts should look equally matt. E6 etching in a special bath gives a uniform matt surface.
Glossy surface
You need a glossy or semi-gloss surface. We offer electrochemical polishing for both technical and decorative purposes.
A clean and activated surface
The surface must be free of oxides before anodic oxidation. E0 etching removes them and makes the surface finely matt.
Results you
can measure
We do not give verbal ratings; we give measurable figures you can verify on your part.
light etching
Surface activation, finely matt look.
etching in a special bath
A uniform matt surface.
semi-gloss too
Electrochemical polishing for technical and decorative purposes.
Types of pretreatment
E0 etching
E6 etching
Brightening
Electrochemical polishing
Mechanical pretreatment
Where pretreatment fits in the process
Degreasing
E0 or E6 etching
Brightening or electrochemical polishing
Anodizing
Sealing
Technical
specifications
Frequently asked
questions
Answers to the most frequent questions
about pretreatment before anodizing.
E0 etching is a light etch that activates the surface before further treatment and gives a finely matt look. E6 etching takes place in a special bath and aims at a uniform matt surface.
Yes. Etching removes material by dissolving the surface, so the surface texture affects the dimensions of the part. For parts with tight tolerances, state this in the order.
Electrochemical polishing smooths the aluminium surface in an electrolyte, without grinding. After anodizing, the surface is glossy or semi-gloss. We use it for both technical and decorative purposes.
Yes, grinding, brushing and polishing of surfaces up to 2000 × 1000 mm and NANO MATTE Blasting of precision parts up to 3000 × 550 × 100 mm. You will find them on the Mechanical pretreatment page.
State the required look (E0, E6, gloss or semi-gloss) directly in the order. If the pretreatment is prescribed by a code according to DIN 17611, the code is enough.
Parts must be cleaned of oils, emulsions, pastes and chips. Products based on silicones, rapeseed oil, drying oils and waxes are not permitted, and parts must not be marked with paints or markers. The full conditions are in the document Conditions for the Appearance and Cleanliness of Parts (PR 06/24).
Where pretreatment is used
We have completed hundreds of projects for demanding clients in Europe and beyond.
Construction and architecture
Facade elements with a uniform matt look after anodizing. Show more
Automotive
Visible parts with a glossy, semi-gloss or matt surface after anodizing. Show more
Defence
Precision parts with a matt, uniform surface without milling marks (NANO MATTE Blasting). Show more