Green and Smart Anodizing: The Anodizing of the Future Available Today

摘要

Recently in Europe, new and stricter regulations have been introduced that restrict the use of toxic chemicals in order to eliminate from industrial productions the polluting methods used until now. To achieve this purpose, many products previously considered of low toxicity have been reclassified by increasing their level of toxicity and hazard. Several other countries outside Europe are following this example conforming to these regulations. This policy is showing its effects also on anodizing plants, as some regularly used products have been banned, or have suddenly become very dangerous and therefore, anodizers are demanding "greener" products. At the same time, plants are gradually evolving toward a system of cost reduction also by reducing the volume of water used in the system, and by reducing the volume of sludge to be disposed of. Obviously, these changes must not penalize the quality of the final product; on the contrary, if possible they should increase it. This presentation will discuss new methods for green and smart anodizing, eliminating toxic chemicals, reducing costs, reducing the volume of water used and the volume of sludge for disposal. Last but not least, this research was also aimed at reducing operating costs in general. Key Words: ecology, cost reduction, water saving, sludge reduction, quality.