What Should Buyers Include in a Type 1 vs Type 2 Anodize RFQ?
What Should Buyers Include in a Type 1 vs Type 2 Anodize RFQ?
A Type 1 vs Type 2 anodize RFQ should include the aluminum alloy, drawing, required anodize type, specification reference, coating thickness, color, sealing requirement, masking areas, critical dimensions, visible surfaces, inspection needs, quantity and service environment. These details help the supplier decide whether chromic acid anodizing or sulfuric acid anodizing fits the part.
Buyers should not send only a note such as "anodize black" or "Type I/II anodize" without context. Type I and Type II have different chemistry, thickness, appearance, availability and specification meaning. The supplier needs to know whether the part is controlled by a customer standard, cosmetic requirement, corrosion requirement or dimensional fit requirement.
If Type I is required, the RFQ should state the exact specification, class if applicable, sealing requirement and any documentation needed. If Type II is required, the RFQ should state color, thickness range, sealing, visible surfaces and sample approval needs. Each type needs a different level of detail.
For RFQ support, buyers can review drawing details needed for anodized cosmetic surfaces and sample submission for trial anodizing and quote evaluation.
RFQ Checklist
RFQ Field | What to Provide | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Alloy grade | 6061, 6063, 7075, A380, ADC12 or other aluminum | Changes coating response and appearance |
Anodize type | Type I chromic or Type II sulfuric | Controls process, thickness and supplier availability |
Specification | MIL-A-8625 or customer drawing note if applicable | Prevents unauthorized substitution |
Thickness | Target range or standard requirement | Affects dimensions, corrosion and finish approval |
Color | Clear, black, dyed color or natural finish | Mostly relevant to Type II decorative work |
Sealing | Required sealing method or standard | Changes corrosion and dye stability |
Masking | Threads, bores, contact points, sealing faces | Prevents fit or conductivity problems |
Inspection | Thickness check, visual approval, certificate or dimensional report | Creates evidence for acceptance |
Buyers should also tell the supplier whether the part is machined before anodizing, after anodizing or both. If final dimensions matter after coating, the drawing should show that. If threads must remain bare, masking must be stated. If electrical contact is required, the contact surface should be protected from anodizing.
Surface preparation should be defined for visible parts. A machined surface, brushed surface, polished surface, blasted surface and cast surface can all look different after anodizing. If appearance matters, buyers should approve a sample and avoid mixing different alloys in the same color-critical assembly.
For Type I, the RFQ should ask whether the supplier has the required process capability and documentation. For Type II, the RFQ should focus more on color, sealing, visible surfaces and repeatability. Both routes need alloy information and masking notes, but the commercial risk is different.
The RFQ should also state whether the buyer is quoting only finishing or a finished aluminum part that includes machining and anodizing. If machining is included, the supplier needs to know which dimensions must be held after anodizing. If finishing is quoted separately, the anodizer still needs the drawing pages that identify threads, bores, electrical contact surfaces and cosmetic zones. A finish-only quote without those details can look cheaper but create assembly problems later.
RFQ Errors to Avoid
Common errors include not identifying Type I or Type II clearly, using a color note without thickness or sealing, omitting alloy, forgetting masking, and assuming the anodizer will know which dimensions are critical. Another error is substituting Type II for Type I without customer approval when a drawing specification controls the finish.
The RFQ should also separate Type II from Type III hardcoat. If the part needs wear resistance, Type III may be relevant, but it should not be mixed into a Type I vs Type II decision without reviewing thickness and fit.
Buyers should also avoid sending different requirements to the machine shop and anodizing supplier. If the machined drawing does not allow for anodizing thickness, the finishing supplier cannot correct the fit problem. The same final coated dimension requirement should be visible to everyone involved.
What a Good Supplier Should Confirm
A good supplier should confirm the anodize type, alloy, thickness, sealing, masking, color and final inspection method before processing. If the buyer requests Type I but the supplier only offers Type II, that must be stated before order acceptance. If the buyer requests black Type II on cast aluminum, the supplier should warn about possible color variation.
The supplier should also confirm what evidence will be provided with the order. Type I may need a certificate tied to the specification and drawing revision. Type II may need a thickness record, color sample approval or visual inspection record. If parts will be assembled after finishing, the supplier should confirm whether post-anodize thread gauges, plug gauges or fit checks are required. These small confirmations prevent disputes after the finish is already applied.
Neway can review Type I and Type II anodize RFQs with alloy, machining, masking, surface preparation and inspection requirements. That makes the anodizing quote clearer and reduces the risk of coating parts that do not meet the real drawing intent.
