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Plating shop want to do Aluminum Anodizing

2005

Hello,

I run a small Chrome plating shop and I would like to know what the best ways are to set up an aluminum anodizing run. I currently polish the aluminum at my shop and then have an outside source to the anodizing. I have read about a 15%-25% Sulfuric acid solution with Lead Cathodes. I would be running a variety of aluminum types to be anodized so a forgiving setup would be neccesary. What prep would be needed for anodizing? This would be a strictly custom line. No production. I would also need to know what Sealers are best for the aluminum after they are anodized. Once again I read about a Nickel Acetate based sealer that is put on the part at 180*F.

Please anyone that has any information on this it would be appreciated.

P.S. Since I am already running a plating line I do already have sulfuric acid, and Lead cathodes if that is the way I should go.

James
Chrome Plater - Hagerstown, IN, U.S.A.

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Going to anodizing is a much more environmentally friendly but different from Chrome plating. In anodizing you are forming the oxide from the base metal not putting metal down on another one. Some basic things to keep in mind, the tighter your parameters on your set up the easier and less trouble shooting you will do later and if you set it up right you can compete with anyone. Try to control the temperature in the tank to +- 2 degrees, be generous with air and keep it even through out the tank, learn amps per sq ft anodizing and us it when ever you can. And one more thing don't use lead cathode they are more costly and less efficient than aluminum( try my snappable 6063t6 cathodes)my web site has more info feel free to view it.

Drew Nosti, CEF
Anodize USA

Ladson, South Carolina

2005