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Hard Anodize Problem on AL2024




Q. We are struggling with hard anodizing (MIL-A-8625 type III) on AL2024. The spec says that the thickness should be 0.002", but we can only achieve 0.001" after anodizing for 6 hrs, and we found out that longer time will not give us the thicker film. Here are our processing tank parameters.

- Sulfuric Acid Concentration: 25%

- Voltage: 20 V

- Tank Temp: 0 to -2 degree C

- Time: 6 hrs to achieve 0.0010" (25 micron). From our experiment, more time will not result in thicker film.

Can anyone suggest what we did wrong? Thank you so much in advance for your help.

Sarun Virojanakuth
Special Process Manager - Bangkok, Thailand
March 9, 2010



simultaneous replies

A. Your acid is significantly too high, especially if it is % by volume using 64 degree sulfuric.
Next, your voltage is significantly too low. Check any reference and you will find that 40 is a more common voltage and the purists will say it should be by amps per sq ft which will end up at well above 30 V.
You probably have reached your max thickness around 45 min in the tank. After that the acid will eat the oxide at the same rate that it is formed. You need a higher voltage because the oxide is a good insulator.
A lower % acid would eat the coating a bit slower.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
March 11, 2010


A. Do you understand that half the thickness is on top of the original surface and half is under the original surface ± 10%, therefore if you measure 0.001 on top, you must already have "0.002". Or does the customer want 0.004?

robert probert
Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services
supporting advertiser
Garner, North Carolina
probertbanner
March 11, 2010


A. The acid concentration can be run that high, it's just not very common. It has the advantage of being more conductive and the disadvantage of being much less tolerant to dissolved aluminum. I do agree with James that your final voltage is very likely too low. You need to continue your ramp to achieve the current density and ultimately the thickness that you need.

Jon Barrows
Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company
supporting advertiser
Independence, Missouri
goadbanner4
March 13, 2010


A. Also agree with James that your voltage appears to be far too low. I have always controlled the process by current density, which can have quite high voltage requirements.

The concentration isn't a problem, I have used solutions of this strength before, but you do need to drop the temperature if you are using this concentration, -5C to -10C will work best, but keep the temperature below -3C.

Brian Terry
Aerospace - Yeovil, Somerset, UK
March 17, 2010




February 26, 2019

"The Surface Treatment & Finishing of Aluminium and Its Alloys"
by Wernick, Pinner & Sheasby

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Q. We are working towards our NADCAP accreditation but are struggling with completing the Hard Anodize process on the 2024 AL test panels. They keep burning during the process. I would appreciate any advice on how to produce a good TYPE III coating on the 2024 test panels. Here is what we have tried:

Racking Method: Aluminum (6061) Claw Clips
Tank Temp: 28-32 degrees
Sulfuric Concentration: 220-245 g/L
18v X surface area (sq/ft) - 5 min
20v X surface area (sq/ft) - 5 min
22v X surface area (sq/ft) - 5 min
24v X surface area (sq/ft) - 40 min

I am considering the 40V process mentioned above but am not sure what the ramp up process should be for that.

Thanks.

Jordan Horst
Anodizing - Spokane, Washington


A. Figure the area of the part and plan for 24 amps per square foot. Be sure the rack "tips" are wide enough to deliver that much current. Put the part in the tank at zero voltage. Spend 15 minutes slowly, evenly, raising the voltage until you get to the "target" amperage (again, try to get to the target amperage at 15 minutes. not before).on the ammeter. Now switch over to current control, tell the rectifier to HOLD the target amperage and let the voltage automatically climb to overcome the resistance of the building thickness. You will only get about 0.001 hard enough with 40 volts, you need 60 volts to get 0.002.

robert probert
Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services
supporting advertiser
Garner, North Carolina
probertbanner
February 27, 2019



To minimize "burning" potential on any hardcoat:
1) Use the thickest panels allowed by specification. More mass helps dissipate heat, thin sections have a tendency to burn.
2) Round off all sharp edges and corners. Excess power is focused on these points, i.e., lightning rod effect.
3) Bolt the panels in a thru hole using aluminum nuts. This insures firm, full contact.

Chris Jurey, Past-President IHAA
Luke Engineering & Mfg. Co. Inc.
supporting advertiser
Wadsworth, Ohio
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February 28, 2019




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