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Next Workshop:

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If you would like to suggest a location to conduct the Anodizing Essentials Workshop, please e-mail the Executive Offices at mail@anodizing.org

What is it?

  • A school for anodizers…
  • A one-day program that teaches more than the fundamentals…
  • The foundation of quality anodizing…

Anodizing Essentials is the answer to those who seek a basic program in how to anodize aluminum … and how to do it properly.

Developed by anodizing industry professionals for anodizing industry professionals, this workshop is designed to increase the knowledge and ability of anyone involved in operating an anodizing line. With an emphasis on quality, the program takes the learner though the entire process—beginning with the metallurgical properties of aluminum alloys commonly anodized, and going right through to the final rinse and sealing processes.

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for those who may be new to working the anodizing line, as well as for those who oversee the process and those who may simply want a refresher—a reminder of best practices.

  • Anodizers
  • Operators
  • Process Coordinators
  • Racking and Masking Specialists
  • Floor Managers
  • Plant Managers
  • Quality Control Technicians
  • and others.


 

 

Typical Curriculum

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Greg Rajsky, Aluminum Anodizers Council

Technology Overview

Richard Mahn, Houghton Metal Finishing Co.

This overview will cover the uses and advantages of anodized aluminum and will also provide an overall view of the steps for generating a quality anodized finish.

 

Basic Metallurgy for the Anodizer

Jude Runge, CompCote International

The aluminum alloy designation system is presented, along with an overview of metallurgical structure and properties as they influence the formation and appearance of the anodic oxide layer. Practical aspects facing the anodizer are highlighted and explained, with an aim toward delivering a quality finish.

Break

Fixturing

Ed Burlingham, Burlingham International

Because electrical conductivity is at the heart of the anodizing process, racking practices and their related effects are explored.

Cleaning and Bright Dipping

Mary Socha, PCS Sales (USA), Inc.

Proper cleaning of the aluminum surface assures a quality product. Types of cleaners and their use will be covered as well as distinctive bright dip mechanisms and processes.

Etching and Deoxidizing

Wayne Chandler, SIC Technologies

Preparing a clean part for the anodizing bath can be accomplished through acid cleaning or in an alkaline soak. Learn which method is appropriate for your purposes.

Lunch

Power

Waasy Boddison, American Plating Power, LLC

Current and voltage play important roles in the anodizing process; the functions and effects of rectifiers and transformers are presented.

Anodizing to Specification

Larry Chesterfield, Anodizing Technologies, Inc.

Quality may be defined as anodizing to specification. This session describes predominant specifications for Types II and III anodizing, as well as explaining how changing the processing conditions in sulfuric acid anodizing can change the characteristics of the anodic finish.

Break

Coloring Technology

Mark Jozefowicz, Reliant Aluminum Products LLC

Coloring technologies are remarkably varied, and communicating color is one of the principal challenges to anyone in this industry. Architectural and decorative coloring techniques will be covered, along with an introduction to interference and decomposition technologies. Problem-solving and troubleshooting will be addressed.

Sealing

Chris Ebbrecht, Eastern Anodic and Color Inc.

The fundamentals of the sealing process will be explored, with a view toward learning how to select the best process for the job at hand.

Concluding Remarks and Optional Examination

Greg Rajsky, Aluminum Anodizers Council

 

Examination and Certificate

ANODIZING ESSENTIALS is an intensive one-day program designed to benefit any anodizing operation. There is a voluntary follow-on examination to test the knowledge gained from the course at the conclusion of the program. Successful learners will receive certificates to demonstrate their accomplishment.

This is the program that the anodizing industry has been asking for. Improve the quality of your product by enhancing the value of your skills. Knowledge is key: Anodizing Essentials offers that knowledge.