Oftentimes, when it comes to filtering a bath using horizontal discs, we stick with what we know. Some powdered activated carbon (PAC) and you are good to go, right? Not always. There are a multitude of different filter aids available in today’s market, and some styles are more suited to certain applications than others. Let’s take a look at the different styles of filter aid and where they are best used.

No matter what you are anodizing or why you need to filter some of the baths. Primarily the cleaner, desmutter, and the anodizing bath itself. Depending on your process, the color and seal may also need filtering. We have to match the correct type of filter to the bath in order to maximize the effectiveness and reduce downtimes and poor part quality.

One of the biggest complaints against horizontal disc filters is how long changing them can take. These filters are capable of incredibly fine filtration, somewhere around 1 micron or below. However, they do require careful preparation and methodology to reach those levels. As a result, they can take much longer to change out than other types of filters.