Aluminum and its alloys are of vast use in various industries. Anode treatments of Aluminum, like Conventional or Hard Aluminum Anodize, Coloring Aluminum Anodize using dyes, etc., are huge industries dealing with construction etc. parts of big dimensions.
Finish Line’s capabilities and interests cover Electro-polishing of Aluminum for precision mechanics, optics, electronics, medical devices, aimed their bright decoration appearance, corrosion resistance and surface smoothing and defects removing. Electro-polishing of Aluminum is less common and less well-known process, but in the above areas of technology, it finds more and more applications.
Base approach, how to define Electrolyte composition and Electro-polishing parameters for Aluminum, are common for all its alloys, and determined by its amphoteric properties. However, the special conditions of each particular Electro-polishing process change significantly from one series of Aluminum Alloy to other.
For example, Al 2000 Copper alloyed series, when electro-polished in a bath granting lustrous appearance to magnesium and silicon alloyed Al 6000 series, become matte and dull. An electrolyte giving brightness and smoothness to 99% Aluminum 1000 series leads to etching and roughness of Al 7000 series which alloyed with zinc, etc. Tempering history of an Aluminum Alloy (hardening, annealing, stretching etc.) has substantial impact on its electro-polishing abilities as well. Depending on the composition of the metal and its technological history, Electro-polishing Process parameters can be diametrically changed, including the replacement of acidic bath by alkaline one.
Finish Line offers commercially validated Electro-polishing Process for Al 6000 and Al 2000 series with Electro-polishing line having a capacity of thousands units per day, see example. Electropolishing of Aluminum parts made from any Aluminum Alloy may be easily adjusted for customer’s needs and commercially served at the same line.