The way anodizing works is that an anodic oxide structure forms from the aluminum substrate. This layer is made up solely of aluminum oxide. Unlike a surface layer that has been painted on or plated, the aluminum oxide is actually part of the underlying aluminum substrate. This means that it will never peel or chip. Not only that, but the anodized structure is both highly ordered and porous, so it is ready for follow-up processes to be applied to it, such as coloring or sealing.

The process is known as anodizing because the material that is being treated forms the anode electrode of an electrical circuit. The aluminum (or other suitable metal such as zinc or magnesium) is immersed in an acid electrolyte bath. An electric current is then passed through it. Because a cathode is mounted on the inside of an anodizing tank, the metal becomes an anode, thus releasing oxygen ions that fuse with the surface aluminum atoms. While anodizing is actually a naturally occurring phenomenon, the mechanical process causes it to happen much more quickly and on a wider, uniform scale.

There are a number of reasons why aluminum alloys are anodized, including increased corrosion resistance, easier dyeing, or improved lubrication and adhesion. While improving its durability, anodizing does not affect the strength of an aluminum part and the newly formed layer is non-conductive.

Pure aluminum, when exposed to oxygen at room temperature, forms a surface layer of amorphous aluminum oxide that is up to 3 nm thick.  This layer offers good corrosion protection. Most aluminum alloys are able to form even thicker oxide layers, as much as 15 nm thick. However, depending on the alloy, the protection offered against corrosion is lessened compared to pure aluminum. This is why aluminum alloys used in manufacturing are anodized. The process greatly enhances the naturally occurring corrosion resistance, which is one of the great benefits of using aluminum rather than other metal options.

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