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Constant Current Anodising

Considering constant current anodizing... By how much does the applied voltage vary in order to drive this constant current through the item(s) to be anodized?

Regards,

Rob Hammond
- Staffs, England

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Rob,

I'm not sure I totally understand your question. Constant current anodizing is definitely the preferred method. I guess the volts you will need will depend on the type of anodizing you do, and the alloys you typically work with. For hardcoat, you will need a minimum of 50 volts, preferably 75. For just decorative work, 20 volts should suffice. In re-reading your question..let me give you an example. For hardcoat..typically 6061 alloy will start at a voltage of around 26.1 (if you are anodizing around 24-26 ASF), and finish up around 50 volts, perhaps a little higher. Other alloys vary in their starting, and ending voltage. However, if you are anodizing at higher current densities than 24-26 ASF, you can obviously expect your beginning volts to be higher.

Marc Green
anodizer - Boise, Idaho