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Can anodizing coatings be made flexible enough to bend without cracking?

I am the Process Controller for a small Canadian anodizing company who manufactures aluminum parts for the appliance industry. We are currently trying to implement a new product but the engineers want to do some of the mechanical processes after anodizing, such as rolling and bending, which I know is not really feasible and has obviously resulted in the coating cracking on subsequent samples. I have researched the web for info on doing this and found nothing. I know all mechanical processes should be performed before anodizing and this concept is backwards thinking, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience or info on this and could help me out. Even a straight "can't be done" would help my plight. Thanks!

Chris Wilson
Anodizing - Hamilton, ON, Canada
2006

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It depends on your definition of rolling and bending. My take is that rolling will crush the anodize 98% of the time and bending will probably cause cracks/delaminations 99.8% of the time.
You definitely need to try a few before you bet the farm.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006

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Hi Chris, I wonder If you have been able to find an answer to your question? I have the same problem myself. I know for a fact that it can be done as there are some companies that are doing it successfully.
will be grateful for an advise.

Anna Z
- London, UK
February 14, 2011