No passwords, No popups, No cost, No AI:
we earn from 'affiliate link' purchases, making the site possible

Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

  The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989

-----

Percent reflectane achieved by mechanicaly polishing aluminum 6061.

I am trying to produce a small reflector for a prototype and was wondering what is the percent reflectance of polished aluminum 6061. I understand 6061 is not the best alloy for a reflector that is to be anodized. If it is left un-anodized are there any disadvantages excluding hardness(scratch resistance) relating to the performance of a reflector.

Richard Iannucelli
Product Designer - San Francisco, California USA
2007

2007

I don't know the percentage relectance although the ASM Metals Handbook does if I recall. But you have to anodize it. If you don't, it "anodizes" itself, beuilding an inconsistent blotchy film instead of a carefully controlled nearly transparent one.

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

I don't know if your product allows it, but maybe a clear lacquer similar to what they use to coat vacuum deposited aluminum over reflecting surfaces in high volume applications.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2007

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: