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Moderately high causticity a problem for clear anodize?

2003

MODERATELY HIGH CAUSTICITY FROM ANALYSIS CHEMICAL. PROPRIETARY PROCESS.

I AM USING MIC-6 CAST TOOLING PLATE FOR A NEW MEDICAL MACHINE THAT WE'RE DEVELOPING. ONE STATIC @ .750 X 20+ X 24+, ONE STATIC @ .750 X 19+ X 23+ AND SIX REMOVABLE SHELVES @ .375 X 18.000 X 18.500.

QUESTION: SHOULD I HAVE A CONCERN FOR 'CLEAR ANODIZING'?

THANK YOU,

PATRICK D. HOVIS
- ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS, USA

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2003

Alconox [affil link] is a common cleaner in labs and some hospitals. It is quite aggressive in its attack on aluminum and anodize. I would look at having it EN plated rather than anodized, if you do not want to use stainless steel.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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2003

The electroless nickel will hold up better than the anodize but the aluminum will still be subject to attack from any damage or imperfections in the plating. Make sure you specify high phosphorous electroless nickel. Stainless steel should be better for that application but will still get staining from the caustic. Plastic would be ideal but can't be sanitized like a metal. Bottom line is you will have a good opportunity to sell lots of spare parts.

Todd Osmolski
- Charlotte, North Carolina, USA