Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Safety concern about grinding anodize coating

We anodize some parts for a customer (Type III with a dichromate seal) who after receiving the finished part performs some hand grinding on a small area before installing into an assembly. They are concerned about the hazards of the grinding operation. Aside from the general hazard from metallic dusts, is there a special hazard due to the fact that the anodizing has a dichromate seal? If so, what minimum precaution should they take?

Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company

Independence, Missouri

2006

I would assume a particulate filter to protect from the dichromate dust would be ample. a simple filter mask with a 5-10 micron rating should be more than adequate.

The aluminum oxide finish is harmful for short term and long term exposure see this link for details

http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/2891.pdf

Ryan Cook
Toccoa, Georgia
2006

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: