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Sterilization removes Anodizing Color

1998

Hallo!

We're color anodizing AlMgSi1(99%Al, 1%Si)-parts that have towithstand at least 150 sterilization cycles. The processes used for sterilization are 275°F water steam and a 122°F hydrogen peroxide plasma. Unfortunately, the color comes completely off after a few sterilization cycles.

Our anodizer says an anodized surface will never withstand sterilization.

Thus my questions concerning the subject are:
Is that true? What alternatives do we have?
Is there a more resistant coating for Al-parts in royal blue?

Sincerely

Robert Mosch
- Student

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1998

I seriously doubt if any dyed anodize will stand up to 150 cycles of sterilization and most certainly will not when you add a peroxide.

Find an anodizer that does two step anodizing since the color is from a metal salt "plated" into the pores rather than a dye. This is architectural quality.

I read somewhere about someone doing interference color anodizing. There is a possibility that this might work.

Black would probably be a better color.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida