Anodizing Technical Bulletins

22 Bulletins Available to AAC Members

AAC members get free access to all 20 of our Technical Bulletins. For our non-members, we offer the Technical Bulletin Compendium: all 20 bulletins complied in a binder for $150.

Preview Technical Bulletins

Aluminum Alloys Most Often Used for Hardcoat Anodizing

Most aluminum alloys can be hardcoat anodized; this bulletin describes the more commonly used alloys.

Aluminum Alloy Reference for Anodizing
Bright Dipping

The phosphoric acid/nitric acid chemical polishing bath (bright dip) is widely used to produce specular finishes on a variety of aluminum alloys used for automotive, appliance, and architectural trim.

Caustic Etch

Caustic etching before anodizing reduces these variations and makes the appearance of the aluminum surface more attractive to the customer.

Cleaning of Aluminum Prior to Anodizing

The cleaning step which begins the journey of aluminum metal through the anodizing process is extremely critical to the success of the rest of the system.

Comparison of A32 and A34 A44 Colored Aluminum Anodic Finishes
Deoxidizing Effects of Anodizing on Electrical Conductivity
Effects of Anodizing on Electrical Conductivity

Aluminum is commonly anodized to provide corrosion resistance and to add a decorative appearance.

Electrolytic Coloring of Anodized Aluminum

Electrolytic coloring has been used on aluminum throughout North America since the late 1970’s.

EPA Regulations Affecting Metal Finishing
Glossary of Aluminum Anodizing Terms

This Glossary of Aluminum Anodizing Terms focuses on those terms which are most commonly used in the anodizing industry on a day-to-day basis.

Guide to Commonly Used Hardcoat Anodizing Processes

The purpose of this guide is to list as many useful facts as possible about the most common processes used today in North America and in Europe.

Guide to Selecting the Proper Adhesive for Anodizing Applications

The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to help evaluate and select adhesives suitable for use with anodized aluminum products.

Recommendations for Grinding and Finishing Hardcoat-Anodized Aluminum

Many abrasive wheels and compounds are suitable for finishing hardcoat-anodized aluminum to achieve critical dimensional tolerances or very fine surface requirements.

Rinsing

Rinsing anything requires ONE (1) primary objective – Removal of the chemical materials, both active chemicals and chemical by-products that may be on the surface of the object that has been chemical treated.

Sealing of Anodized Aluminum: Sealing Chemistry and Additives

The sealing of the anodic coating is a critical process step to ensure product quality and durability for any application.

Selected Federal OSHA Regulations Affecting Metal Finishing
Specifying Anodized Finishes on Aluminum
Many people desiring anodized finishes on aluminum may not be knowledgeable about the types of anodic finishes available and how to specifically call out their requirements to anodizers. View Bulletin
Standards References for Anodizing
Sulfuric Acid Anodizing with Aluminum Cathodes

Today’s quality-conscious finishing shops are concerned with saving money, producing more quality products, and reducing the emissions of toxic materials to the environment.

Waste Treatment of Spent Dye Baths

Any industrial purchaser or user of any chemical assumes the responsibility of awareness of the regulations governing its use and disposal.

In This Section

Resources Anodizing 101 Course AAC Buyers’ Guide ANO-TALK Podcast Technical Bulletins AAC Webinar Program Anodizing Publications Reference Guide Useful Links