The oxide layer that follows the anodizing process is transparent and offers excellent protection. These alloys are excellent candidates for anodizing. The 6XXX series was created for aluminum alloyed with magnesium and silicon. These alloys can often be substituted with a 4XXX series alloy for welding filler metal such that the resulting weld is not a different color than the rest of the anodized aluminum assembly. For instance, certain alloying elements such as manganese and silicon need to be kept within a range also, the anodizing process used is important. They are excellent candidates for anodizing however, there are some important considerations that go along with carrying out the anodizing process on the 5XXX series alloys. When anodized, the alloys in the 5XXX series have a resulting oxide layer that is strong and clear. This series designates an aluminum that is alloyed with manganese. 4XXX aluminum alloys are often used to weld other alloys such as 6XXX, but if these welded assemblies are anodized, the weld metal will not match the color of the base metal. However, it is important to note that the 4XXX series has a dark gray color that lacks aesthetic appeal. Anodized 4XXX material is well protected by the aluminum oxide layer created from the anodizing process. The 4XXX series consists of aluminum alloyed with silicon. This makes it difficult to keep a similar color across a 3XXX series aluminum assembly. Also, this brown color can differ from substrate to substrate and especially from grade to grade. While the anodized layer offers decent protection for the manganese-alloyed aluminum substrate, it creates an undesirable brown color. 3XXX SeriesĪluminum alloyed with manganese is categorized in this series. Furthermore, the layer created by anodization offers poor protection for the underlying aluminum alloy. When anodized, the 2XXX aluminum series alloys have an oxide layer that is a shade of yellow that is generally not considered appealing. While the copper is useful for improving the mechanical properties of aluminum, it unfortunately renders these alloys poor candidates for anodization. The copper in these alloys create a very strong and hard aluminum alloy. This series is used to designate aluminum alloyed with copper. Since the underlying pure aluminum is relatively soft, these anodized aluminums can be easily damaged and be lacking in mechanical properties when compared with other series of aluminum alloys. The resulting layer of aluminum oxide that forms is clear and somewhat shiny. The aluminum in this series can be anodized. While there are some variations from each alloy to alloy, here is a summary of what one will likely encounter when anodizing an aluminum alloy by their series type: 1XXX Series Furthermore, some alloys may have a layer of aluminum oxide after the anodization process that leaves an undesirable color, such as an unattractive yellow, brown, or dark grey. However, the coating of aluminum oxide may lack the desired amount of protection on some alloys. The anodizing process can increase the size of the aluminum oxide layer on most aluminum alloys. The following aluminum alloys are best suited to the anodizing process: While many different aluminum alloys and grades can be anodized, some are better suited to the process than others. Anodizing is a metal coating process that increases the amount of aluminum oxide on the surface of an aluminum substrate, thus potentially increasing its ability to withstand corrosion and alter its appearance. This can be achieved through a process known as anodizing. While most grades of aluminum have adequate appearance and corrosion resistance in many instances, it is sometimes required to increase these properties further.
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