Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Anodizing A380 vs. A360
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⇦ (tip: readers rarely show interest in abstract questions, but people's actual situations usually prompt responses) 
Q. I want to anodize on A360 and/or A380. Which will be better results to apply. After casting of A360 and A380, which is better for hardness?
NIKUNJ CHAUHAN- RAJKOT India
October 6, 2021
A. Hi Nikunj. A380 is more common but lower hardness. To my knowledge there is no substantial difference in anodizing the two, but since A380 is far more common, any anodizer of castings will be familiar with it. Neither alloy is great, and neither will be decorative.
Please try to give us your actual situation (what are the parts & where are they used, Type II or Type III anodizing, general exposure & wear requirement, aesthetic expectations if any), and I think the readers will be able to help you. Thanks!
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 2021
Q. Actually we require aluminium die cast anodized. So we are looking for aluminum alloy for good anodizing results after die casting. We search about it and find two metals, a360 and a380.
Our products are being used in ceramic companies , product will be used in abrasive material. We want to die cast spray guns. So we require good strength and anodizing for long life surface (if surface is uneven it's okay but surface should be anodized).
Our point is to anodize -- how's the results after anodizing of a360 and a380.
I will be thankful if you share some pictures of anodize of both alloys.
Waiting for your reply.
New start up - RAJKOT India
November 22, 2021
A. Hi again Nikunj. The components should be hard anodized, type 3 or a proprietary type 2-1/2, to about 0.002" thickness. If you had been making these in A380 for decades, it might make sense to try to cast a few in A360 and see if it improved some parameter of performance, but at this point I don't see the benefit of giving yourself a supply headache by specifying A360 when A380 will most likely give you very similar results.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 2021
A. Both 360 and 380 are difficult alloys to anodize. The resultant coating appearance is a dirty gray which may make them unsuitable for cosmetic applications. The anodic coating will not be as hard or thick as what can be achieved with wrought aluminum alloys. Alloy 518 is a much better candidate for anodizing but it is difficult to die-cast.
Chris Jurey, Past-President IHAALuke Engineering & Mfg. Co. Inc.
Wadsworth, Ohio
November 22, 2021
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