https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhZNpsxLSNE
In 2025, KEI further expanded its portfolio of state-of-the-art metal finishing solutions with the launch of Type II anodizing, reinforcing our commitment to delivering premium finishes for the automotive sector and other performance-driven industries.
Purpose-built for quality, consistency, and scalability, KEI’s anodizing operation is engineered to support both cosmetic and functional requirements, while meeting the high-throughput and process stability demands of modern automotive manufacturing programs.
Process Overview
KEI’s Type II anodizing utilizes the sulfuric acid anodizing process, a widely adopted automotive and aerospace-standard method that converts the aluminum surface into a controlled, uniform anodic oxide layer. This oxide layer is integrally bonded to the substrate, delivering enhanced corrosion resistance, wear protection, and aesthetic durability without compromising dimensional integrity.
Finish Capabilities
Current finish offerings include:
- Clear anodizing for premium cosmetic appearance. Electropolishing is an electrochemical performed prior to anodizing to achieve a bright cosmetic finish.
- Satin anodizing for uniform, low-gloss functional and decorative applications
Color anodizing can be available based on customer requirements.
To optimize long-term performance, the anodized layer is sealed using a range of advanced chemical sealing technologies.
Available Sealing Technologies
- Cold sealing for enhanced corrosion resistance and cosmetic stability
- Mid-temperature sealing to balance performance and throughput requirements
- Hot water sealing for robust oxide closure and long-term durability
These options allow finishes to be precisely tailored to OEM specifications, environmental exposure requirements, and performance standards.
Process Control & Quality Excellence
From incoming material through final shipment, KEI’s anodizing operations are built around a philosophy of process discipline, repeatability, and surface excellence. Our state-of-the-art facility integrates advanced automation, in-house surface preparation, and rigorous laboratory oversight to ensure every component meets both aesthetic expectations and functional performance criteria.
Consistency and Quality Are Achieved Through:
- In-house aluminum surface preparation, including polishing and buffing with robotic capabilities, ensuring optimal cosmetic results while reducing handling risk and lead time
- Recipe-based anodizing processes, enabling precise control of key parameters to meet diverse customer, platform, and program requirements
- Automated hoist sequencing, delivering repeatable, tightly controlled processing across all production runs
- Full part identification and traceability, providing end-to-end process visibility and accountability
- Pre-production validation and continuous process monitoring, supported by KEI’s process control laboratory with ongoing sampling, impurity analysis, and sealing performance evaluation
- Dedicated quality assurance laboratory, equipped to conduct corrosion resistance and durability testing aligned with automotive standards
- Cross-functional technical expertise, where process engineers, quality engineers, and electrochemists collaborate closely with production and account management teams to deliver finishes that perform reliably in real-world applications
- Proactive order coordination and delivery scheduling, ensuring customer programs are supported with consistent quality and dependable lead times