Summary for anodization of aluminum Discussion
Anodization of aluminum is presented as a process where every step matters, from the alloy choice and surface preparation through sealing. Shree Nanguneri asked for literature on what makes anodizing efficient and whether hardness can be mathematically related to scratch resistance. Ted Mooney replied that the factors are too numerous to list in a forum, but emphasized that quality depends on careful control of all details in the process, not just one stage. For scratch resistance, he identified the Taber abrasion test as the common test for anodized aluminum, where a wheel wears the coating until failure and resistance is judged by the number of revolutions. He also noted that Rockwell and Vickers hardness tests can be used on coatings, but said they can be difficult to interpret and he was not sure of any reliable correlation between hardness and scratch resistance.
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Q. Kindly provide me the following literature if it is available:
The factors that lead to an efficient anodization of Aluminum starting from sandpaper blasting through sealing. Also is there a mathematical relationship between hardness and scratch resistance? If so what measurement systems are in use for this?
Shree Nanguneri
– Santa Clara, California, USA
2002
A. Such a broad question is best answered by referring you to a book:
The Surface Treatment and Finishing of Aluminum and Its Alloys by S. Wernick, R. Pinner, P.G. Sheasby
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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Shree,
The factors you ask for are too many to mention in this forum. Everything is important for a quality anodic coating, from the Al. alloy, to the sealing process. Each step is important, and paying close attention to the little details are important for a consistent, quality coating. This site has a few books dealing on the subject, I suggest reading them. The coon test for anodized al is the Taber abrasion test, basically a wheel that rotates on the coating, and hardness is measured by revolutions before coating failure. I have preformed Rockwell/Vickers test on coatings, and find them, at times.. difficult to interpret, so I’m not sure of any correlation.
Marc Green
anodizer – Boise, Idaho