cosmetic clear anodize on 6063 tubes

[subsearobot]

Hi! This is a repost from chemical coatings engineering because it got no response! I know there is an opinion out there, so please, let's hear it.

I have been building prototypes on a commercially available 6063 seamless tubing extrusion. the tube has a very nice mirror like finish out of the box. I contacted the vendor requesting a surface specification, and they do not have one. what you see is what you get. I am having several holes machined into the tubes.

I am moving toward production of a high end consumer product, so I need a decent and repeatable finish. I plan on a clear anodize, class 1 or 2, type II.

prior to anodize, I am considering a bead blast, but would prefer to not add another step to the manufacturing process. Is there a chemical treatment pre-treatment that will make a more satin like finish? the aluminum tubes will be in a high-wear consumer environment (think camping gear), so I am leery that having a nice mirror like finish, while pretty at first, will highlight inevitable scuff marks from normal use.

the simplest thought would be to have the shop steel-wool the parts prior to clear ano. any thoughts there? I've seen it work well with hard black coatings, but no experience with clear.

thanks!

 

[drawoh]

subsearobot,

Have you talked to your anodizer? A big factor in the final appearance is the time they spend in the acid bath.

--
JHG

 

[KENAT]

Agree with drawoh, I'm inclined to think that most clear anodized parts end up with a matte rather than shiny finish but I don't do much undyed anodize any more and the old parts I'm thinking of may have been due to use of chromic anodize or the finish before anodize.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[MikeHalloran]

I'd run a few parts through the proposed process before worrying about them coming back too shiny.

I've also been burned by specifying clear anodize, when my buyer 'forgot' to have the parts anodized at all, and nobody noticed until they corroded. I.e., I'd specify _some_ color just to be able to verify that the parts actually were sent to an anodizer.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA