Definition: Both electric and nitro RCs can have anodized metal parts. Anodization is an electrolytic passivation process that increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer on metal surfaces adding a color coating that also increases resistance to wear and corrosion.
Anodized Parts on an RC: For radio controlled vehicles anodized parts are often cosmetic and found on parts such as the chassis, bulkheads, turnbuckles, and shock towers. The process can create a multitude of colors depending on the metal.
What Anodized Metal is Used in RC Vehicles: Anodized aluminum is the most popular metal used in RC vehicles. Titanium, zinc, and magnesium are common metals that undergo anodizing. Because of the potential for rust formation and flaking, carbon steel is not a good candidate for the anodization process.
Examples:
A large aluminum blue anodized cooling head is one of the features of the Traxxas Revo 3.3 while the HPI Savage has a cool purple anodized aluminum heat sink engine head.
