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Welding Materials (Welding Rods) that are incompatible for Anodizing

Hello Finishing.com'ers,

OK, so we have a Customer who is experiencing some issues when we Hard Ano their Aluminum parts with the following attributes. #4130/#5052/#6061/#7075 type(s).

We are speculating the Customer is using Welding rods that are incompatible with the Hard Ano process.

Is anyone aware of a chart that shows what you can, & can not use for welding rods on aforementioned parts that are going to be Hard Ano'd.

Many Thanks in Advance !

Michael Coons
Chemist/Titrationist - Roseville, California
April 3, 2008

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I've found that 5356 works fairly well. However, there will always be a color difference between the weld, and the aluminum. Also, you can always expect to see a "halo" effect around the weld. Your best bet, would be to dye the work if color is consistency is a concern, but again, there will almost always be a difference.

Marc Green
anodizer - Boise, Idaho
April 4, 2008