extruded aluminum that will accept ground 1

[iowaguy]

I am interested in making a extruded aluminum part.
The aluminum is 6063-T6.

The part must accept a ground. Would making the extrution non-anodized make my part capable of being grounded?

When the part is anodized I cannot get a ground.

Please suggestions?

 

[NickE]

Yes the anodizing produces a very hard Al2O3 (or other non-conductive layer) that adheres strongly to the surface. you could grind off the anodizing in the area where you are attaching the wire adn that sill remove the insulating layer. Although if you need area conductivity (IE: spike into the soil etc...) then this wont work as well...

Nick
I love materials science!

 

[swall]

If you need some corrosion protection rather leaving it bare aluminum, you can apply a chromate conversion coating such as Alodine. You will be able to get a ground connection through the Alodine.

 

[IRstuff]

It also depends on the amount of contact resistance you're willing to accept. We've tended to have bare aluminum in cases where EMI or ESD bonding is required. Our experience is that conversion coatings tend to have higher resistance than bare metal.

TTFN

 

[sreid]

A common clear conductive chem film finish is Iridite.

 

[Ron]

Be careful with grounding 6063-T6. The localized corrosion will likely be significant unless you use 6063 to ground, or alternatively, stainless steel.

I would spot grind the anodizing to provide contact. Corrosion at the connection point will still be a problem. Be sure to isolate from moisture. Asphaltic coatings work pretty well in this application.