Numerous aluminium grades have enough corrosion resistance and the right appearance for specific applications. This includes aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111). At times though, it is desirable to amplify these characteristics. You can do it through the anodising procedure. The metal coating process increases the amount of oxide on the material’s surface. Anodisation has the effect of possibly increasing the metal’s capacity to stop corrosion and can alter its appearance.
Anodised aluminium is beneficial
Anodising is a great choice for all kinds of construction and architectural industries. The colours of the aluminium won’t fade, chip, or peel after exposure to sunlight. This makes the materials more appropriate for many commercial, industrial, and consumer applications. Common ones include window frames, doors, vents, and more.
However, some aluminium alloys are more suited to anodising compared to others. It is because of the alloying elements. What that leads to is separate properties. Some are more desirable than others. The series 5XXX, 6XXX, and 7XXX alloys are the most suitable for anodising.
On the majority of alloys, it is possible for anodising to increase the aluminium oxide layer’s size. But, the level of protection given might not be sufficient on certain alloys. Furthermore, following anodisation, the oxide layer could leave behind an unappealing colour. It can be yellow, brown, or dark grey.
Let’s discuss what will occur with separate aluminium series when you anodise them. It will help you decide whether you should get it or not. Then, if you want aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111) or other types, you can speak to us.
1XXX series
Firstly we have the pure aluminium series. When you anodise it, the oxide layer is somewhat clear and shiny. Pure aluminium is relatively soft. As a result, even after anodisation it might lack specific mechanical features. These are ones that exist in other alloys.
2XXX series
The second series has aluminium alloyed with copper. Copper’s addition produces a very strong and hard alloy. It augments aluminium’s mechanical features. But, it makes this series less suitable for anodisation. When you anodise 2XXX alloys, you get an ugly yellow oxide layer. What’s more, it provides insufficient protection to the underlying material.
3XXX series
Here we have alloys where the aluminium is alloyed with manganese. The oxide layer offers suitable protection for the substrate. At the same time though, there is an unpleasant brown colour. It can vary between the grades. So, it can be difficult to preserve a similar look through the many 3XXX materials.
4XXX series
Next, silicon gets alloyed with aluminium. The oxide layer here does a good job protecting the material. But, it comes with a grey colour that people don’t like. At times, people use these alloys to weld 6XXX and other grades. After anodising though, the base material’s colour won’t match your weld metal.
5XXX series
In this series, you alloy aluminium with manganese. Following anodisation, the alloy gains a strong, clear oxide layer. Thus, the 5XXX alloys work well for anodising. But, there are some vital considerations to take note of when anodising. For instance, some alloying elements, particularly manganese and silicone, need to stay within a specific range. The actual anodising process you use here is also vital. Aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111) is a popular grade 5 option.
6XXX series
These have silicon and manganese alloyed with aluminium. This is a decent choice for anodisation. The oxide layer provides outstanding protection. The appearance is also transparent. Besides being a good anodising candidate, the 6XXX sees extensive use in structural applications. This is due to the wonderful mechanical features.
7XXX series
Finally are alloys where zinc is the main alloying element. It responds well to the anodising procedure. You get a clear oxide layer and have outstanding protection against corrosion. But if the zinc levels are excessive, the oxide layer can change to a brown colour.
Delivering aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111) and more
At Brindley Metals, we take a fast, efficient, and friendly approach to our business. With deliveries, we get orders out quickly. The team also remains on hand to answer any queries customers have about us and our products.
We can help them with everything regarding aluminium sawn plate 5754 (H111) and other materials. So, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.