Top tips.
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Brand it.
Promote your business further by stamping your logo onto the surface of the raw aluminium for a brand impact that lasts.
Or, get your logo lasered into the coloured surface for a silver contrast that really ‘pops’!
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Weld it.
Get the best finish possible by using a 5000 series welding rod with a preference to TIG welding.
If other rods are used, the welds will appear dark grey - even when dyed black.
Compare the 5000 series (5356) rod to the 4000 series (4043) rod pictured in the test pieces above.
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Strip it.
YES, you can have parts stripped of their original anodised surface and re-anodised.
Re-anodising parts can save time and money.
Why wait on costly new parts being shipped when you can have them re-anodised to retain functionality and coloured to suit!
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Clean it.
Preparation matters. Consider using water based cutting compounds to clean parts.
Wash parts asap after machining and move them out of the splash zone.
Coolant that remains on the part’s surface will act as a mask during anodising and show as silver markings against a coloured finish. Only a re-anodise process resolves the issue but tolerances must be accounted for.
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Dye it.
Anodising provides the perfect opportunity to have your parts dyed for long lasting colour and visual appeal.
Consider using colour to reinforce a key message or your company’s logo.
5000 series alloy takes colour vibrantly and 6000 series also responds well.
7000 series looks best in black.
2000 series colours poorly.
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Don't Mask it.
Masking tape can leave a sticky residue that will mask the surface preventing an anodic layer from forming. This will result in un-anodised markings appearing as raw alloy against the natural silver anodised finish or as unsightly silver markings against a coloured finish.
The same principle applies to stickers.
Removal of sticky residue is easy. Gently clean using white spirits and a cloth or soft bristle brush.
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Polish it.
Get a glossy finish by polishing your parts to a high shine just before anodising.
Talk to us about this service so that you can achieve this appealing finish.
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Vent it.
Gasses form during anodising and can get trapped in cavities, leaving a non-anodised ‘bubble’ mark.
Include a vent or, modify the part design to allow gasses to escape for a uniform anodised surface.
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Try it.
Action provides FREE anodised samples.
Why not see what your company colours look like in anodised alloy?
Different alloys take dye differently, so it’s a good idea to provide samples for each to see how they reflect the colour your after.
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Pack it.
Pack aluminium parts carefully when sending them to us. Avoid rub marks by wrapping each part and packing tight to stop movement.
The care Action takes when anodising extends to packing your parts so they avoid friction on the return journey.
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Love it.
An anodised surface retains it’s beauty for many years with easy maintenance.
Simply use water or mild soapy water with a soft cloth or soft bristle brush to remove dirt and grime. Rinse well with water.
White spirits can assist with removing grease, rinsed thoroughly at finish with water.
The ‘NOs’: No abrasive cleaning products or applicators.
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Follow it.