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Bright Dipping Aluminum Alloys

 

I work for a crew of Mechanical Engineers and was posed with questions on Bright Dipping. The suggested material is an Extruded 6463 Aluminum Alloy for the best results. We deal in very small R&D; parts and to buy the required large quantity of this material is not an option. I've also learned that using common 6061 AL ALLY can produce a milky finish when anodized instead of the 'Bright' finish we're looking for. Does anyone know of any type of Aluminum Alloy or other light alloy with similar metallic properties that would be a good or decent substitute in terms of achieving a quality Bright Dip? Or possibly another way of pre-treating or finishing to produce the high gloss bright anodized effect?

Donna Preskill
- Gaithersburg, Maryland

I am also interested in knowing the answer to that question since extruders don't normally use 6463 alum.

Ron Leonard
- Greenville, South Carolina
April 10, 2008