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-----Masking welds prior to Anodize operations
2006
Our customer calls out on the drawing for us to "mask all welds" prior to anodizing.
Question,
Can we actually mask welds prior to the anodizing operation, Or will the anodizing process itself, remove any masking that we do?
manufacturing - Arab, AL, United States
From your letter, I couldn't tell if you were an anodizer, or a manufacturer of the parts, or both. I've never seen that called out before. But yes, welds can be masked prior to anodizing. Sounds like the best way to go would be to use a paint mask suitable for the anodizing process. If you're not doing the coating yourself, I suggest you let your anodizer handle the masking requirement.
Marc Green
anodizer - Boise, Idaho
2006
Depends on the weld type! If spot welds, we've used Loctite product which wicks into seam between welds and prevents bleeding out after anodize. Laborious but works. Recall that mil spec says not to anodize welded aluminum in the first place!
Milt Stevenson, Jr.
Plating shop technical manager - Syracuse, New York
2006
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