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BADGERCHROME DSA Anodes for Surface Finishing
BADGERCHROME MMO Anodes for Surface Finishing in Trivalent and Hard Chrome applications - The clean anode solution

Why 
BADGERCHROME?

  • Long-lasting MMO coating
  • Consistent current output
  • Reduced solution maintenance

Perfect For...

  • Hard chrome conforming anodes
  • Electropolishing cells
  • High-purity metal finishing

Dimensionally Stable Anodes for Surface Finishing

The case for replacing traditional soluble anodes with modern MMO technology has never been stronger. As regulatory pressure mounts against hexavalent chromium processes, and soluble anodes continue to cause uneven dissolution, sludge buildup, and inconsistent current distribution, BADGERCHROME dimensionally stable anodes offer a clean, efficient alternative. Built with mixed metal oxide (MMO) coatings on titanium substrates, BADGERCHROME anodes deliver reliable performance and lower maintenance for today’s advanced surface finishing systems.

Applications

BADGERCHROME MMO anodes are insoluble by design, introducing virtually zero contaminants into the electrolyte. Unlike lead or graphite anodes, which can leach lead chromate, lead oxide, and other byproducts, BADGERCHROME provides a clean-running solution. This reduces bath contamination and transforms chemical monitoring from a labor-intensive process into precision micro-tuning.

As a dimensionally stable anode, BADGERCHROME maintains consistent geometry throughout its service life. Soluble anodes, by contrast, dissolve unevenly - requiring frequent voltage adjustments, increased downtime, and declining plating consistency. With BADGERCHROME, your inter-electrode gap stays constant, ensuring uniform current density and predictable deposit quality from start to finish.

Finally, BADGERCHROME anodes are built on a reusable titanium framework - making them a sustainable and cost-effective solution. When the coating reaches end of life, the anode can be refurbished through cleaning and recoating, extending its service into a second or even third lifecycle. That means lower total cost of ownership and reduced waste compared to single-use soluble anodes.

Manufacturing Process

Every BADGERCHROME anode begins with precision-engineered titanium substrates, fabricated in-house at our comprehensive titanium fabrication shop. Whether the final product is mesh, plate, tube, or a custom form, each anode is built to exacting specifications for durability and dimensional stability. This in-house control ensures consistency and quality at every stage of production.

Once formed, the titanium surfaces are thoroughly prepared using a combination of mechanical and chemical treatments, including abrasive blasting and acid etching. This step is critical to achieving strong adhesion between the titanium and the coating.

A carefully formulated mixed metal oxide (MMO) solution is then applied using controlled deposition techniques such as brushing, dipping, or spraying. This solution typically includes a combination of noble and semi-noble metal oxides - most commonly iridium, ruthenium, and titanium oxides—chosen for their catalytic activity and corrosion resistance. The exact coating thickness and composition are tailored to the specific electrolyte chemistry, operating voltage, and current density of each application, ensuring optimal performance and service life.

Following each coating cycle, the anode undergoes thermal activation, a high-temperature process that bonds the coating to the substrate and transforms the metal salts into a stable, conductive oxide layer. Multiple passes may be required to achieve the desired loading density, depending on the end-use environment and current demands.

The finished product is then inspected for coating thickness, adhesion quality, and electrical performance. Each BADGERCHROME anode is delivered fully assembled and tested - ready to install for long-lasting, maintenance-efficient service in demanding electrochemical systems.

Specifications

Specification
Detail
Anode Format
Mesh, plate, rod, ribbon, or custom weldment
Titanium Substrate
Commercially pure titanium (ASTM B338 Grade 1 or Grade 2)
Coating Composition
Mixed metal oxide (IrO₂, RuO₂, Ta₂O₅) - tailored per application
Typical Coating Load
1.5 to 6.0 mg/cm² (9.7 to 38.7 mg/in²)
Coating Thickness
5–15 µm (0.0002–0.0006 in)
Current Capacity
Up to 1,000 A/m² (93 A/ft²) depending on electrolyte and duty cycle
Expected Design Life
5 – 20 years (dependent on environment and current density)
Consumption Rate
<1 mg/A·yr (<0.015 grains/A·yr) — dimensionally stable, non-consumable
Operating Temperature
0°C to 150°C (32°F to 302°F); consult for high-temperature systems
Compatible Environments
Acidic baths: chromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, fluoroboric, hydrochloric, and cyanide solutions
Standards & Compliance
Manufactured to ASTM B338, B265, and relevant industry-specific guidelines

Our product technical data sheets are also available in PDF form. Please click below to download a PDF version of the data sheet.

Specification
Detail
Anode Format
Mesh, plate, rod, ribbon, or custom weldment
Titanium Substrate
Commercially pure titanium (ASTM B338 Grade 1 or Grade 2)
Coating Composition
Mixed metal oxide (IrO₂, RuO₂, Ta₂O₅) - tailored per application
Typical Coating Load
1.5 to 6.0 mg/cm² (9.7 to 38.7 mg/in²)
Coating Thickness
5–15 µm (0.0002–0.0006 in)
Current Capacity
Up to 1,000 A/m² (93 A/ft²) depending on electrolyte and duty cycle
Expected Design Life
5 – 20 years (dependent on environment and current density)
Consumption Rate
<1 mg/A·yr (<0.015 grains/A·yr) — dimensionally stable, non-consumable
Operating Temperature
0°C to 150°C (32°F to 302°F); consult for high-temperature systems
Compatible Environments
Acidic baths: chromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, fluoroboric, hydrochloric, and cyanide solutions
Standards & Compliance
Manufactured to ASTM B338, B265, and relevant industry-specific guidelines

Illustrations

BADGERCHROME Titanium Anode Basket Schematic
BADGERCHROME Platinized Anode Schematic
BADGERCHROME Titanium Cathode Schematic
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