anodizing thin wall aluminum parts

[rmetzger]

I'm looking for information regarding changes in physical properties of thin walled aluminum (7075-T6 @ .050") after anodizing. The coated parts are demonstrating a higher strength than the uncoated ones (corrosion is not a factor) and I am looking for info to back up our experimantal results.

thanks

 

[MadMango]

Is this MIL-A-8625/AMS-A-8625 process? If so, is it hard anodize, sulfuric acid or chrimic acid?

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[mechantaeus]

tHIS MAY HELP

http://www.saf.com/rightfinish.html

Work Hard and Work Smart

 

[rmetzger]

its a sulfuric acid anodizing - the thickness or spec were not detailed on the print.

 

[mechantaeus]

hard anodizing can go upto 2mm, since anodizing is not a mere coating it becomes PART of the metal surface...this imparts additional strength to the part.

Work Hard and Work Smart

 

[Tofflemire]

Hello,

Just to add my two cents, I read in an article that Hard coating strength is second to diamond... I think that web site article was posted in paint/coatings engineering forum.

Tofflemire

 

[rmetzger]

I've used ano before many times for wear reduction and corrosion protection but have never designed it in as a integral part of a design to change the strength properties of the component. Anyone have any links for effective yield and tensile strengths for ano surfaces or how the addition of this treatment affects those material properties. The base metal is machined 7075-T6 alloy stock.

 

[CoryPad]

You should perform a search on this site. Use the following as search terms:

keyword:

anodized
anodizing
Metalast

handle:

kenvlach
TVP

Here is an Internet site with a lot of information:

http://www.metalast.com

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[MadMango]

You shouldn't rely on anodizing to gain an increase in strength of material, you will only be asking for trouble. You have no control over the solution quality or how long the vendor anodizes your parts. This will affect the quality of the process.

[green]"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."[/green]
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.
Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[Ron]

MadMango is right on target. If you get some benefit from anodizing or other treatment, consider it a gift and an enhancement to durability, not strength.

 

[mechantaeus]

I agree, it is a "perk" not the "salary". I would use a thicker wall to ensure a stronger part in the first place.

Work Hard and Work Smart