Bright Anodizing of Aluminum Alloys for Bright Trim

A combined process of chemical for electrolytic brightening of bright purity aluminum alloy articles, followed by thin anodizing has achieved considerable industrial importance. The aluminum alloy in the form of sheet of extrusion is formed into finished parts, taking every care to avoid superficial damage or marking, particularly parts for the exterior decoration of motor cars an domestic appliances, such as fascia panels, name plates, window and windscreen surrounds, wiper parts, radiator grills, etc. These are then chemically brightened by the phosbrite of Erftwerk process or by an electrolytic brightening process. Because the alloy is of high immediately film is completely transparent and invisible, but it provides lasting protection from tarnish and corrosion by the weather. It is also hard and scratch resistant. The part thus appears to be gleaming, tarnish resistant bare metal: it maches well with chromium plating. At the present time a large proportion of the bright trim on the more popular makes of motor car, which is generally believed to be chromium plated is in fact bright anodized aluminum.

To the manufacturer this has the advantage of a much be set the higher cost of the special aluminum alloy over steel, and the greater care necessary in forming; the strength of the finished article is also less. To the car owner it has the advantage that there is no chance of rust appearing because of defective electroplating or of the plating peeling off.

Other articles:

• Deposit test of copper plating
• Application of anodized aluminum