Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
(OP)
It seems getting good color saturation from attempts to anodize die-cast parts is problematic. Is there some other such process that might yield similar aesthetic results (paint, powder coat, plating)?
The coating would need to withstand common contact with brake fluid--making this quest a bit difficult.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
The coating would need to withstand common contact with brake fluid--making this quest a bit difficult.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
A people who value security over freedom will soon find they have neither.





RE: Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
RE: Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
By the way, might it be possible to plate to copper, nickel, (whatever), and then to an aluminum of the type that would take an anodized finish? It's certainly a stretch, and probably expensive, but I'd really like to have a clean anodized finish if at all possible. (Can aluminum even be a plating material?)
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
A people who value security over freedom will soon find they have neither.
RE: Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
KENAT,
Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
http://www.alumiplate.com
http://aaaplating.com/
I can't comment regarding subsequent anodizing of a plated surface.
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
From what I've found out so far, the die-cast aluminum alloys have some stuff (like silicates) in them that won't accept anodizing--so the color saturation is terrible, and finish quality splotchy. If we were able to find a "pure" aluminum to plate over that stuff--with great finish characteristics--then perhaps we could anodize that plating layer. A bit idealistic, and perhaps expensive, but that's the next thing on my list of tricks to try.
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
A people who value security over freedom will soon find they have neither.
RE: Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
I'm also not sure about anodizing it, I only recall chromate conversion coating it &/or suitable paint system.
KENAT,
Have you reminded yourself of FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies recently, or taken a look at posting policies: http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
RE: Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
Another option to consider is the choice of Al alloy for the high pressure die casting process. Most of the alloys have high silicon levels (7-20%) which makes anodizing difficult, especially for aesthetics. Alloy 518.0 (UNS A05180) is a die casting alloy with excellent appearance after anodizing. Typical properties for this grade as listed in ASTM B 85 are as follows:
Tensile Strength: 45 ksi (310 MPa)
Yield Strength (0.2 % Offset): 28 ksi (190 MPa)
Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm: 5%
Shear Strength: 29 ksi (200 MPa)
Fatigue Strength (R. R. Moore Specimen 500,000,000 cycles): 20 ksi (140 MPa)
RE: Possible for good color finish--anodizing aluminum die-cast parts?
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
A people who value security over freedom will soon find they have neither.