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Machine before or after anodizing

Good morning all.

My extruder is suggesting they provide our custom shape in clear anodized finish prior to cutting to length and machining processes. I know this is a rookie question but I need conformation of my suspicions. Yes, the product is exterior use with likelihood of machined edges being exposed to moisture. Thanks to all.

Tom Schellens
product designer - Old Saybrook, Connecticut
October 30, 2009

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First of two simultaneous responses --

Very few applications would work well with anodize and cut/machine. It is possible that there are a few, but they will be darn few.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
October 30, 2009

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Hi

This you should be very careful with. The cut edge will be bare exposed metal, and maybe even forming a crevice with another part, so you have all reason for being suspicious.

Sunny regards
Anne

Anne Deacon Juhl
- - Trustrup Denmark
November 2, 2009

Anodize should be the final process of the finish product.

Carlos Carrera
- Miami, Florida, USA
November 2, 2009

Thanks to all for the comments. Having pursued this avenue, the costing is well outside our budget parameters. Any other finishing options? Powder coat? Thanks, Tom

Tom Schellens
- Old Saybrook, Connecticut
November 14, 2009

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Hi, Tom. I'm not sure that I understand the revised question. The problem isn't the area that is anodized, but the area that isn't. So if you switch to powder coating, the problem will still be the area that isn't coated. While you can paint the exposed edges for touch-up, paint or powder on non-pretreated aluminum isn't a very robust finish.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 14, 2009