Letter 9060

Dissimilar Metals 

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My questions is concerning corrosion due to contact between two dissimalr metals. I have an extruded alum. tube 6063-T5 and some structural steel tubing. The alum. is painted with a 2-part polyurethane paint. What type of material should be placed between the two dissimilar materials to help prevent electrolytic corrosion? The alum is used as an architectural feature in a commerical building and the steel is needed for structural support.

Any advise would be greatly appreatated.

Rafael Rivero
- Corona, CA

This is a common problem in aerospace where cadmium is used. For commerical work I would suggest galvanising which would also give good corrosion protection.

Martin Trigg
surface treatment shop - Stroud, Glos, England

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