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Welds turn black when clear anodized

We are fabricating handrail from 6063 T6 aluminum. The joints are TIG wleded and then the handrails are anodized with a clear finish. The problem is when we get the product back from the anodizer the welds have all turned black even the ones that are ground off. What type of filler wire will change this?

Brad Freund
welding service - Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, USA
2005

That is the nature of the beast. Different alloys anodize to different colors. You may lesson the differenmce by avoiding a nickel seal.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

2005

5356 welding rod should be used when welding aluminum that is to be anodized. The welds will still be an "off" color", but it shouldnt be as bad. It sounds as if your welder is using 4043 rod.

Marc Green
anodizer - Boise, Idaho
2005

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