Aluminum anodizing provides a durable finish as well offering a wide variety of vibrant colors. Critical parameters include the material alloy, grain structure, surface finish, surface preparation, type of dye, the time of immersion, and the thickness of the oxide layer.

In this study, instead of using standard test plaques, production cell phone housings were used. This provided a realistic, hands-on assessment of the appearance. Textures were also varied during the study, allowing for evaluation of gloss and sheen, as well as personal reactions. This study helped  guide the color palette for subsequent Motorola phones, including the popular Razr series.

(Type 1 anodizing, 6061 T6 alloy, various anodizing dyes and thickness layers.)