Cross-group finish comparison
Hard Anodizing Type III vs PTFE Dry-Film Coating
Hard Anodizing Type III (anodizing & conversion coatings) and PTFE Dry-Film Coating (paint, powder & polymer coatings) solve the same problem by different routes; hard anodize is the lower-cost option ($$$).
Hard Anodizing Type III
Anodizing & conversion coatings · $$$ · instant quote
Type III hard anodizing forms a thick, dense aluminum-oxide layer for sliding, abrasive, and high-load service.
PTFE Dry-Film Coating
Paint, powder & polymer coatings · $$$ · instant quote
PTFE dry-film coating is a fluoropolymer-based low-friction, non-stick coating for metal components.
When to choose which
Choose Hard anodize
Choose Hard anodize when aluminum needs a harder integral wear surface.
- Typical hardness is 350–550 HV
- Common 50 µm coating provides strong abrasive-wear resistance
- Sealed specimens are evaluated for 336 hours ASTM B117
Choose PTFE coating
PTFE coating is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Hard anodize's.
- Typical dry film is 15–50 µm
- Representative dry coefficient of friction is approximately 0.05–0.1
- Selected systems can serve to approximately 260 °C
What the numbers say
- Hard anodize is the lower-cost option ($$$).
- PTFE coating is the thinner coating (15–50 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
- PTFE coating tolerates more heat (260 °C continuous).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Hard anodize | PTFE coating |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 71 Very good | 78 Very good |
| Surface hardness / wear | 61 Good | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 50 Fair | 45 Fair |
| Lubricity | 25 Low | 95 Excellent |
| Cost | 44 $$$ | 55 $$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Hard anodize | PTFE coating |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 25–75 µm | 15–50 µm |
| Surface hardness | 350–550 HV | — |
| Salt-spray test duration | 336 h | 250–1,000 h |
| Max service temperature | 200 °C | 260 °C |
| Electrical | Insulating | Insulating |
| Colours | natural gray, black | black, gray, green, blue, custom product color |
| Relative cost | Premium ($$$) | Premium ($$$) |
| Added lead time | 4–7 working days | 5–10 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Hard anodize | PTFE coating |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | No | Yes |
| Steel | No | Yes |
| Brass | No | With care |
| Copper Alloy | No | With care |
| DMLS / SLM | With care | With care |
| Magnesium Alloy | No | With care |
| Titanium | No | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | No | With care |
| FDM | No | Limited |
| MJF | No | Limited |
| Polymer | No | Limited |
| SLA | No | Limited |
| SLS | No | Limited |
Specifications and drawing call-outs
Hard anodize
- MIL-A-8625 — Anodic Coatings for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
- AMS 2469 — Hard Anodic Coating on Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
- ISO 10074 — Anodizing of Aluminium and Its Alloys — Specification for Hard Anodic Oxidation Coatings on Aluminium and Its Alloys
HARD ANODIZE PER MIL-A-8625 TYPE III CLASS 1, 0.0020 IN TOTAL COATING THICKNESS, UNSEALED; MASK THREADS AND BEARING FITS
PTFE coating
No governing public specification — called out by name and thickness.
PTFE-BEARING DRY-FILM COATING, XYLAN-CLASS BLACK, 20–30 µm TOTAL DFT, DRY COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION 0.05–0.10 ON QUALIFIED TEST COUPLE; MASK BEARING SEATS
Hard anodize vs PTFE coating — frequently asked
What is the difference between Hard anodize and PTFE coating?
Hard Anodizing Type III (anodizing & conversion coatings) and PTFE Dry-Film Coating (paint, powder & polymer coatings) solve the same problem by different routes; hard anodize is the lower-cost option ($$$). PTFE coating is the thinner coating (15–50 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less. PTFE coating tolerates more heat (260 °C continuous).
When should I use Hard anodize instead of PTFE coating?
Choose Hard anodize when aluminum needs a harder integral wear surface.
Is Hard anodize or PTFE coating cheaper?
Hard anodize is the lower-cost finish ($$$ against $$$ for PTFE coating) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.
Which lasts longer in salt spray, Hard anodize or PTFE coating?
PTFE coating. Hard anodize is rated 336 h and PTFE coating 250–1,000 h in neutral salt spray (ASTM B117 or the qualification hours of the governing specification). The figures are for the finish as specified on a clean, properly pre-treated substrate; sealing, thickness class and substrate alloy move them.