Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Determining what finishing process was used on an aluminum part
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have a deep drawn aluminum urn that has a bright shiny outside surface. I would like to know if there is any way to find out how this surface finish was achieved. e.g. if it was anodized is there some way to verify that?
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- Melbourne, Australia
Hello Leo!
An anodized aluminum surface is non-conductive. Perhaps you can check it with a voltmeter.
Good luck!
Lee Gearhart
metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York
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If it is not oxidizing into white spots it's either because it is anodized or because it has a clear lacquer on it. The lacquer would be relatively soft while anodizing is very hard. I guess I might try to scratch a non visible area and immediately test it with an ohmmeter. If it doesn't conduct after the attempted scratching, it's probably anodized. If it does, it was probably lacquer coated. A lab could give you a definitive answer instead of a "probably".
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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