AL 6061-T6 Alternatives 1

[GTFiji]

I have an application where I currently use AL 6061-T6, machine and then apply a Type II anodize. My parts are getting dented and nicked up. Appearance is then compromised. I want to find a suitable material alternative (Aluminum) that will increase the surface hardness (reduce blemishes) with little or no cost penalty. I want to still be able to apply a Type II anodize for color.

Suggestions?

 

[kenvlach]

Try Hard anodize (Type III). It can be dyed darker colors (blue, red, black) ~OK. Also, the anodizer can dip in dilute nitric acid or deox. solution to open up the pores for dyeing lighter colors. This will somewhat soften the anodize, but I do not believe that's a problem (might even benefit).

You can also try anodize II or III on a stronger alloy that anodizes well, Al 7075-T6, but maybe little benefit in your application. The problem is that anodize is relatively brittle and has an elastic modulus 5x that of the Al alloy substrate, so it cracks while the Al is still elastic (insufficient support).