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How to anodize high copper, high silicon aluminum
1996
Currently involved in anodizing high Cu (1-1.5%) and Si (12.5-13%) aluminum. Would like information on effect of these parameters on anodized layer thickness, uniformity, and hardness. Any info out there on process parameters (voltage, amperage, electrolyte temp, exposure time, acid concentrations, electrolyte makeup) pertaining to this type of alloy ?
Appreciate all the help I can get!
Rex Harper
Aluminum How-To
"Chromating - Anodizing - Hardcoating"
by Robert Probert
You'll love this book. Finishing.com has sold 880 copies over the years without ever a single return request :-)
"The Surface
Treatment &
Finishing of
Aluminium and
Its Alloys"
by Wernick, Pinner
& Sheasby
on
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Copper and Silicon interfere with the anodizing process. High conductivity alloying elements, such as copper, tend to pull power away from the process, providing sites to initiate the "burning" phenomenon. Low conductivity elements, such as silicon, act as roadblocks to the formation of the anodic film. The concentration, distribution, and form of these alloying elements have a dramatic effect on the coating thickness, uniformity, and hardness. Many of these limitations can be overcome with the unique hardcoating process LukonDC. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, hard, thick coatings of up to 75 µm are possible and are being produced every day. We will be glad to hardcoat prototypes for evaluation, free of charge.
Chris Jurey, Past-President IHAALuke Engineering & Mfg. Co. Inc.
Wadsworth, Ohio
1996
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