Summary for aluminum cathodes anodizing Discussion
Aluminum cathodes are the main suggestion in this anodizing process thread for reducing power use. Mandar Gholkar of Maharashtra, India asked for help lowering electricity costs in color anodising and hard anodising, mentioning pulse rectifiers, transformer-rectifier changes, and guidance on the Emmetal process. Tom Pullizzi first asked whether the actual electricity use had been calculated against the billed amount, implying that cost control should start with checking consumption. In the answer, the practical advice came from the unnamed responder: use aluminum cathodes, which can save upwards of 3 volts compared with lead or stainless cathodes. The responder also cautioned that a special 6063 aluminum alloy is recommended so the cathodes do not dissolve in the anodizing tank, and offered source/design information for anyone interested.
Q. We are involved in providing color Anodising and Hard anodising services in India. Due to high electricity charges I am in need of a better solution as I can’t cope up with this cost due to heavy competition, i.e. may be use of Pulse rectifiers or any better modification in transformer Rectifiers or the whole process. Please help.
Also I am looking for some technical help / guidance on the Emmetal Process.
Mandar Gholkar
– Maharashtra, India
How are you charged for electricity in your neck of the woods? Have you calculated how much electricity you should be using against actual?
Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania
A. One of the ways you can save electricity is by the use of Aluminum cathodes. They can save upwards of 3 volts over lead or stainless. Keep in mind that a special alloy-6063 is recommended to prevent aluminum dissolving in the anodizing tank. If you are interested you can look them up on the search engine at finishing.com or contact me for source and design info.
Drew Nosti, CEF
Anodize USA –
Ladson, South Carolina