As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases
Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"
"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for metal finishing questions and answers—covering topics like electroplating, anodizing, galvanizing, powder coating, and more—is Finishing.com. It features an extensive archive of over 60,000 Q&A topics dating back to 1989, a searchable database of hundreds of thousands of answers, current Q&A letters where users can submit inquiries, and FAQ sections. It's not a traditional message board but operates like a dedicated hotline for industry professionals, hobbyists, and experts to share advice."
Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Adver-
tise
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
-----
Colorfastness of dyed aluminum coatings
We are currently anodizing aluminum 2011-T3 parts to create red and black colored surface finishes for a customer. The customer has inquired if there is anything that can be done to reduce the amount of fading due to UV exposure, sunlight. The parts are anodized in accordance with MIL-A-8625 / MIL-PRF-8625
[⇦ this spec on DLA], type II.
Steven Moehling
- Carpentersville, Illinois, USA
In general you can reduce the amount of fading observed by saturation dyeing the part - increase the oxide thickness as much as is acceptable to the customer, then use extended dyeing times, perhaps increasing the dye concentration as well. The object here is to get as much dyestuff in the oxide pore as possible. Make sure your seal is not just adequate but very good - use the acid dissolution test, not just dye stain. An obvious thing to check is to make sure you are using dyes that have the capability of good lightfastness - architectural or exterior quality dyes with a lightfastness rating of 8 or 8+ will provide good results.
Sjon Westre
- Minden, Nevada
Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.
If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:
Finishing
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g,
& Software
About/Contact - Privacy Policy - ©1995-2025 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA - about "affil links"