Having a metal oxide finish as opposed to paint An anodized finish is formed by an electrolytic process in which the object to be coated serves as the anode, hence the term anodized Anodizing produces a durable semi-translucent finish in a wide range of colors with black and gold being common in audio equipment
Anodized metal has been through an electrochemical process which changes the molecular structure of the surface layer, giving it a thin, protective film In the anodization process, the metal is placed in an acid bath (at the "anode" or positive end of the electrical circuit) and an electrical current is passed through the tank This process causes a controlled oxidation of the metal's surface to occur (oxygen atoms bond to surface atoms of the metal) Aluminum is often anodized, as is magnesium, titanium, and tantalum Anodized metal has a lustrous sheen; the anodizing process can produce colorful surfaces
To provide an extremely hard non-corrosive oxide film on the surface of aluminum, by electrolytic action The electrochemical process produces an anodic coating by conversion of aluminum into essentially aluminum oxide Appearance depends upon both the alloy involved and the surface preparation Anodic coatings may be transparent, of varying shades of silver, gray or brown, or colors may be incorporated by the use of dyes or pigments