Alloys Suitable for Anodizing

Material Suitable For Anodizing Applications

This Aluminum Alloy Reference matches various alloys with finishing advice. Source: Aluminum Anodizers Council (AAC) Technical Bulletin #4-13, Aluminum Alloy Reference for Anodizing, issued March, 1994.

Series (AA)*

Alloying Constituents

Metal Properties

Coating Properties

Uses

A.Q. ** Types

Non-
A.Q.** Types

1XXX

None

soft
conductive

clear
bright

cans
architectural

none

1100
1175

2XXX

Copper

very strong
hard
low elongation

yellow
poor protection

aircraft
mechanical

none

2011
2017
2219
2224

3XXX

Manganese

strong
small grain

grayish-brown

cans
architectural
lighting

none

3003
3004

4XXX

Silicon

strong
fluid

dark gray

architectural
lighting

none

4043
4343

5XXX

Magnesium

strong
ductile
fluid

clear
good protection

architectural
welding wire
lighting

5005
5657

5052
5252

6XXX

Magnesium and Silicon

strong
ductile

clear
good protection

architectural
structural

6063
6463

6061
6101

7XXX

Zinc

very strong

clear
good protection

automotive

none

7029
7046
7075