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Which Aluminum Alloys Can Be Anodized?

Aluminum is one of the extensively used materials for different purposes. Aluminum has the excellent features of corrosion resistance in many occurrences. This property can be accomplished by making a process which is known as anodizing. Anodizing is a process of metal coating that improves the amount of aluminum oxide on the exterior of an aluminum. This process is enhancing its strength to resist corrosion and also can modify its appearance.

The anodizing method can double the size of the aluminum oxide layer on the primary aluminum alloy. But, the coat of aluminum oxide can also require the essential measure of strength on different alloys. Some alloys can have a coating of aluminum oxide by applying the process of anodization, which leaves an unwanted color on the surface like an unattractive brown, yellow, or dark grey. These effects vary as per the alloys, and the result of features also can be varied. An anodizing method can be utilized to various grades of Aluminum, but it is not suitable for all the grades of Aluminum.

Aluminum includes a number of grades, but for the anodizing process, the following grades are suitable. Here are the alloys that are adequately suitable for the process of anodizing:

  • 5XXX Series
    This series includes aluminum alloy that is combined with manganese. In the process of anodizing, the alloys include in the 5XXX series get a resulting oxide coating that is reliable and clear. This series is an excellent selection for anodizing, but there are some essential factors that are important to follow while carrying out the anodizing process on the 5XXX series alloys. While processing for anodizing, some alloying ingredients such as silicon and manganese are essentially kept within a range. Means, the proportion of these materials should be in the correct measure for better result and for enhancing the strength of the alloy. The series of 5XXX is ideal for the anodizing process, but it is required to check all parameters. These alloying series can be replaced with a 4XXX series alloy. The 4XXX alloying series is also available easily, but it is not as perfect as 5XXX. So better to choose the 5XXX series with correct proportions.
  • 6XXX Series
    The 6XXX series of Aluminum contains alloying elements such as magnesium and silicon. These elements are making this series ideal for the anodizing process. These alloys are the best choice for anodizing, which offers excellent features and results. The oxide layer, which is formed after anodizing, is transparent and gives superior protection to alloy. The 6XXX series alloys provide superior mechanical characteristics, and ir can be easily anodized. There is no replacement for this series of aluminum, and also they are commonly used for structural purposes.
  • 7XXX Series
    This series of blended aluminum contains zinc which is its prime alloying component. This series is perfect for the anodizing process because of its alloying structure. It leads to the anodizing process really well. The oxide layer, which is formed on 7XXX series alloy, is transparent and provides exceptional protection from corrosive and acidic effects. But, if the proportion of zinc is excessive, then the oxide layer created by anodization can become brown in color.

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