What are anodized aluminum cracks typically caused by?

Anodized aluminum cracks are often the result of drop damage. When an anodized aluminum component is subjected to a sudden impact, such as from being dropped, the structural integrity can be compromised, leading to visible cracks. The anodization process adds a protective oxide layer to the aluminum, but this layer can become brittle under impact, especially if the underlying aluminum is warped or dented from the force of the drop. While wear and tear, microcracks from normal usage, and heat exposure can also affect anodized aluminum, they typically do not cause significant cracking as dramatically as a direct impact does. Instead, drop damage is a common cause of immediate and noticeable failure in the material.