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How to achieve blackest anodize possible

What is the 'blackest' aluminum anodize possible and what is the process for achieving it? How is 'blackness' measured?

Ronald B. Ellis
- Dallas, Texas
2000

You can obtain black anodizing on aluminum if you have electrochemical coloring tanks following anodizing.

Khalil Sawalha
Amal Aluminum - Amman Jordan
2000

Mr. Sawalha's answer is probably correct if you are referring to a conventional anodized coating with dye of some sort. But 'black' really means the absence of reflectance, and this can (in theory at least) be achieved with topography that prevents light from reflecting, as well as via dyes that absorb the light.

I know that there is an electroless nickel that deposits a dendritic, sponge-like coating that absorbs virtually all light. But whether this topography is achievable in anodizing of aluminum I don't know offhand.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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