Technical References for Anodizing

Q. I’ve been working as a chemist at an anodizing plant for a few months, and this is my first experience in this industry. Are there any resources you recommend for me to read and keep on hand as references, mainly for when we need to troubleshoot appearance issues? J.T.

A. I use many different references that I have accumulated over the past 40 years or so. Many are articles, and others are specialty publications that are no longer in print nor available. There are four excellent references that I believe are all still available, and though costly, are invaluable sources of knowledge for anodizers:

• The Surface Treatment and Finishing of Aluminum and Its Alloys, by S. Wernick, R. Pinner and P.G. Sheasby, Vols. 1&2, Fifth Edition, ASM International Finishing Publications.
• The Technology of Anodizing Aluminum, by A.W. Brace and P.G. Sheasby, Second Edition, Technicopy Ltd.
• The Technology of Anodizing Aluminum, by Arthur W. Brace, Third Edition, copyright Interall Srl.
• Anodic Coating Defects, Their Causes and Cure, by Arthur W. Brace, Technicopy Ltd.

There are other sources as well. If you go to PFonline.com/articles/anodizingclinic, you will find all of the archived articles I have written over the past 12 years. They are organized by subject matter.

Another excellent source of information is the Aluminum Anodizers Council. There is a wealth of information on its site (anodizing.org). Members enjoy access to specific technical papers published by the council for members only. Becoming an active member and attending the annual conferences can also add to your knowledge.