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

Tacky anodized parts

Season's greetings fellow metal finishers! We have a problem with one of customers reporting a tacky feel to the anodized parts we supply. These parts pass nitric acid testing with flying colors, so we think they have a good seal. Any ideas on how to combat tackiness if the seal is good?

Vic Waldman
job shop anodizer - Oxford, Connecticut, USA
2003

The problem I would say is the seal. I have had parts like this and because I did not want to strip and re-do, I just add a lubricant to the surface and wipe it in. Not a great method, but does work ok and keeps the surface looking good.

Michael Georgiadis
Fishing Reels - KZN
2003

That sounds like it might be an acceptable temporary fix. Do you have any info on that lubricant? Thanks for the response!

Victor Waldman
anodizing job shop - Oxford, CT
2003

---

Victor Let me see if I have this correct. The parts are sticky indicating the seal isn't up to par and the solution to this problem is to put an oil on the parts that the customer doesn't know about to make him happy! I thought the correct approach would be to make sure ALL the parts are sealed properly!

Drew Nosti, CEF
Anodize USA

Ladson, South Carolina

2003

---

If the customer gets angry when the parts are delivered, learn corrective action! Make a notation in the QA manual to remember to bring glazed donuts with the next delivery of sticky parts. "Sorry, I must have touched the parts, but have a donut" :-)

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

Ted - I didn't realize you had a humorous side! Drew - Of course you are (partially) correct. We are not trying to put anything over on our customer. The parts pass nitric acid testing. They are sealed. They don't have a problem with us applying a lubricating topcoat as long as they approve samples. I wanted (and still would like) the name/type of topcoat mentioned to try as a possible solution.

Victor Waldman
anodizing jobshop - Oxford, Connecticut
2004