AAC Home What is
Anodizing?		 Find
Technical Details		 Search for
Anodizers		 Locate Education
& Conferences

Alloys Suitable for Anodizing

This Aluminum Alloy Reference matches various alloys with finishing advice. Source: Aluminum Anodizers Council (AAC) Technical Bulletin #2-94, Aluminum Alloy Reference for Anodizing, issued March, 1994

Series (AA)* Alloying Constituents Metal Properties Coating Properties Uses A.Q. ** Types Non-
A.Q.** Types
1XXX None

soft
conductive

clear 
bright

cans
architectural

 none

1100
1175
2XXX Copper

very strong
hard
low elongation

yellow
poor protection

aircraft
mechanical

 none

2011
2017
2219
2224
3XXX Manganese

strong
small grain

 grayish-brown

cans
architectural
lighting

 none

3003
3004
4XXX Silicon

strong
fluid

 dark gray

architectural
lighting

 none

4043
4343
5XXX Magnesium

strong
ductile
fluid

clear 
good protection

architectural
welding wire
lighting

5005
5657

5052
5252
6XXX

Magnesium and Silicon

strong
ductile

 clear 
good protection

architectural
structural

6063
6463

6061
6101
7XXX Zinc very strong clear 
good protection		 automotive none

7029
7046
7075

*AA - Aluminum Association

 **A.Q. - Anodizing Quality - material suitable for architectural anodizing applications

Back