Plastics are generally soft and require no surface protection, but colors are limited and some plastics are subject to color and dimensional change. Aluminum is much harder and more dimensional stable than any plastic. It is a highly reactive material and it is subject to corrosion, discoloration and handling damage if not treated or protected. Anodizing offers several advantages including, coloration, extreme surface hardness and corrosion protection. Anodizing is a chemical process that opens and impregnates the surface pores and captures selected dyes and then is sealed creating an almost diamond hardness finish. Anodizing is very thin and adds no significant dimensional change or weight to the material it is applied to. All anodizing is subject to fading if exposed to bright or direct sunlight for extended periods. Some colors are more resistant than others. But this should not be a factor for MTC products and their intended uses.
Major components are anodized with a deep gunmetal gray finish. Associated components are anodized in contrasting colors. MTC has selected hard anodizing aluminum over untreated plastics as a better choice. This extra step to protect our products and improve their appearance is added insurance to guarantee a long life expectancy. Color control is sometimes difficult, components intended to be used together are anodized in the same batch. But even this does not guarantee absolute consistency. Material lots and surface preparation appear to have an impact on color results.