Anodizing wrecks aluminum. Did you know?

[Automoda]

I have a brother with a kit helicopter called a mosquito. He's done a lot of the same kind of research and web-forum reading that we do with our kit cars. A while ago he mentioned to me that anodizing was a very very bad idea if your aluminum part is stressed, vibrated, or serves a critical function. I had no idea. I asked him if he'd find the article about the subject and he sent me this link:

 

http://www.experimentalhelo.com/Anodizing&Fatigue.pdf

 

It seems that cleaning agents involved in anodizing also hurt the metal's strength. It makes me wonder, because normally I spray aluminum with etching primer to make paint stick to it-- normal automotive filler-primers generally are not rated for spraying directly on aluminum.

 

Other than the skin, I dont think I have any aluminum on my car that is painted, so no worries. But I thought you guys would be interested.

[Hank]

Thank you for the link! Amazing, isn't it?

[slomove]

Interesting.

But I have only the dashboard made of brushed and black anodized aluminum and I believe the only stress is from the passengers holding onto it. :cooldude: