Letter 40057

Re-anodizing cast aluminum [Canada] 

March 26, 2006

Hello, I wanted to know if cast aluminum (almag 35)parts can be re-anodized 10-15 years after they were initially anodize. Will this compromise structural integrity of the part? The parts are cast hatches and portlights used on boats (boat windows of sorts). The frames are made of cast aluminum and at the initial manufacturing time they were clear anodized, can this process be redone on these hatches/portlights? Tavinder Channa Marine accessories and repair - Toronto, ON, CANADA April 7, 2006 Of course they can be reanodized.. They are aluminum!! However you may not be as pleased with the rework as you were with the original finish. It just depends on the oxidation that they have been subjected to, as well as the overall looks of the part in its current state. You can take the part to a plating shop and they should be able to tell you what to expect more accurately than I could here without seeing the part myself. You will need to strip the old plating off of the surface in a Nitric based stripper or other acid based stripper and prep the surface as you would in any other situation. Make sure you do not etch the part as the silicates in the casting will become more exposed and will cause the plating to look undesirable. Good luck with your task.! Ryan Cook Team Metal Finishing , Inc. Toccoa, Georgia

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