Titanium Anodising

Titanium anodising is a process of converting the thin surface layer of titanium into titanium dioxide. An oxidisation process happens naturally with titanium, which leads to its excellent anti-corrosion properties. However, when anodised this oxidation is far thicker and more robust.

The interesting feature with Titanium anodising is that the thickness of the oxide layer, directly effects the colour of the material. The colour produced is an example of ‘structural’ colouration because the colour comes from light scattering through the oxide layer. Some of the light bounces off the oxide layer and some travels through and bounces off the substrate. Adjusting the oxide level of titanium surfaces changes the spectrum of light and therefore the perceived colour of the part. The voltage can be adjusted to change the thickness of the oxide layer and thus the perceived colour.