finishing options for aluminum

[njlee]

Hi All,

What are the finishing options for aluminum part with blasted surface finish? I'm looking for some kind of coatings/platings/... which can protect the part from stains/scratches and normal cleaning agents. I also need to keep the natural aluminum color (dull silver look), so I guess some kind of clear coating or silver color plating will be fine.

I am designing an aluminum part which will be manufactured by either investment casting or die cast. It will be sandblasted. However, after handling the part for a while, fingerprint stains were all over the part surface and they are not easy to remove.

thanks,
lee

 

[IRstuff]

There are various anodization coatings that can do this job. You should check with a metal finisher.

TTFN

 

[CoryPad]

In addition to anodizing, you can investigate organic coatings. For example, aluminium alloy wheels for automobiles have a clear acrylic powder coating applied to them. Try Dupont, BASF, and PPG.

Regards,

Cory

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

 

[kenvlach]

Clear coating over anodize will give the best protection. Alcoa has been selling Dura-Bright® aluminum wheels for commercial vehicles since 1994. From the description and illustration on their website

http://www.dontpolish.com/technology_2.shtml?08,

it appears to consist of a buffed finish (brushed is optional) protected by a clear anodize layer and a top layer of clearcoat.

Alcoa also markets (what appears to be) a similarly coated Dura-Flange™ wheel for applications where loads are heavy and prone to shifting, causing tire walls to rub against the wheel rims.

http://www.alcoa.com/alcoawheels/en/news/news_release/flange.asp