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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
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for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Chemical Brightening of Aluminum
November 25, 2010
Dear Sir,
I am conventional anodizer using type 2 of anodizing. I wish to install a setup for chemical brightening of aluminium section prior to anodizing. For that purpose I wish to prepare a solution of 75% phosphoric acid and 25% nitric acid, will heat that solution till 80 °C and apply a current at 18 volts. And give the current for 5-8 mins. I have following queries regarding it.
1) The tank size which I wish to install is 5200 mm (Long) * 1215 mm (Height) * 608 mm (wide). Its almost 3800 ltrs tank. Is this much big tank is feasible for operating.
2) What may be the probable hiccups that will I face on operating.
3) What precautionary measures should I take while operating.
4) Can I get required finish and quality while operating in tank of above size. I have heard that at high volumes the things don't run smoothly and I may face big quality problems, but exactly what is no one ready to clear.
5)What should be the current density?
6)Is it okay if we operate the chemically brightened solution at 13 volts?
I kindly request you to [please provide me the solution. Thanking you all.
- Ahmednagar, India
It is going to use a lot of heat.
It is going to put a heavy load on the fume scrubber.
Does it have to be this big?
The alloy of your part will have some effect on the output of your solution.
I would certainly do a lab sized research on this before I jumped in with booth feet.
- Navarre, Florida
November 26, 2010
Dear Mr. James,
Thanks for replying. I am also in doubt whether this long will work. But People in China counterparts are supplying in 20 feet or 5900 mm long cutlength. Please give me the procedure how the things will work and what procedure and protocols I should follow.
- Ahmednagar
November 30, 2010
Chemical brightening is a rather picky process. I would personally go with a proprietary solution that is from a reputable company with tech services available.
From the one that I used a long time ago, your temp seems a bit low, but if you are going to use a home brew, find one that you like in the literature and stick with those exact criteria.
- Navarre, Florida
December 1, 2010
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