OX-Ti is an anodizing surface treatment of titanium alloys that creates a thin film of compact titanium oxide. The treatment is performed by immersion using an electrolytic process.
Depending on the treatment parameters, the anodizing process self-generates a wide array of colours. The colour is not due to the addition of pigments, but rather the titanium oxide layer formed on the surface assumes a colour due to the nature of the refracted light. Different titanium oxide thicknesses produce different colours.
Since the layer is composed of titanium oxide, it has properties of high durability and excellent chemical resistance. This makes it suitable for coating components for the medical and implants sector.
The treatment is used in the motorsport sector as an anti-galling coating and a decorative finish.
The surface can be produced in various bright scratch-resistant colours due to self-colouration of the titanium oxide film without the use of pigments or inks. The colours can be used as visual codes for rapid identification components of similar appearance.
Thanks to the high chemical resistance, biocompatibility of the film, and absence of pigments, this process can be used also on medical components.
The titanium oxide film that forms during the treatment makes it possible to eliminate the galling problem typical of titanium alloys.
Composition |
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The OX-Ti treatment transforms the titanium alloy surface into a compact layer of titanium oxide. The coating composition is thus strongly dependent on the starting alloy. The film colour is obtained by self-colouration. No pigments or inks are used in the process. |
RoHS compliance |
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RoHS compliant. No restricted substances present in amounts greater than the maximum tolerated concentrations. |
REACH compliance |
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REACH compliant. No SVHCs present in amounts higher than 0.1% by weight. |
Titanium alloys |
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All commonly used titanium alloys |
Coating thickness |
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Typical thickness, according to the required colour |
< 1µm |
Colours obtainable | |
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Fuchsia | |
Violet | |
Dark blue | |
Light blue | |
Light yellow | |
Golden yellow | |
Grey |
Wear resistance |
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High colour durability thanks to the resistance of the titanium oxide film to light wear and scratching. |
Chemical resistance | |
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Excellent chemical resistance, typical of titanium alloys. | |
Chemical compatibility | |
Chemical compatibility values. The actual environmental resistance must anyway be tested in the field. | |
Hydrocarbons (e.g. petrol, diesel, mineral oil, toluene) | |
Alcohol, ketones (e.g. ethanol, methanol, acetone) | |
Neutral saline solutions (e.g. sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, seawater) | |
Reducing acids and halogens (e.g. sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, oxalic acid) | |
Acid oxidizing agents (e.g. nitric acid) | |
Dilute bases (e.g. dilute sodium hydroxide) | |
Base oxidizing agents (e.g. sodium hypochlorite) | |
Concentrated bases (e.g. concentrated sodium hydroxide) |