The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Chemicals for Shining Aluminum

I would like to know the Chemicals? concentrations? and temperatures? used in Shining Aluminum, which I think is done before the anodizing process. Thank you in advance for your helping hand.

Alberto Marín
- Cali, Valle, Colombia
2003

---

2003

Hi Alberto. Please don't cast your question in abstract fashion because it always makes it hard to get started, as we pull teeth trying to get onto the same page. Instead, please tell us who you are, what you are doing, and why you want to formulate a bright dipping solution or electropolishing solution instead of buying it, and why you have decided you must use a chemical process rather than mechanical polishing.

Answers, advice, and cautions will always depend on size of parts, production volume, aluminum alloy, your level of experience, etc. But if you want a general introduction to the whole of the technology, ASM Metals Handbook, Vol. 5, has an excellent chapter on the subject. Good luck.

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