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Anodizing Publications/Technical Information

Article Excerpts, Books and Pamphlets, Anodizing Fact Sheets, Technical Bulletins, Anodizing Conference Proceedings, Free Publications & more

The Aluminum Anodizers Council generates and compiles articles and reports relevant to the aluminum anodizing industry, many of which are available for purchase by completing then mailing or faxing the AAC Publications Order Form below.

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See descriptions and pricing information below.

Article Excerpts


Manufacturing Matters
America’s economic recovery is hinged on resurgence of the industrial sector


This Anodizing Update was published in the April 2010 issue of Products Finishing magazine. Visit Products Finishing for additional information.

Books and Pamphlets


#BP1 The Technology of Anodizing Aluminum, Third Edition
by Arthur W. Brace
As written by the internationally renowned Arthur Brace in his preface, the third edition is "… an attempt to set out much of the detailed experience gained in more than 40 years involvement in aluminium finishing. This information is such that most of it is not to be found in published research papers and the trade literature but arises from personal experience of investigating problems under production conditions."
Member $295 Nonmember $350
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#BP2 Anodized Aluminum Electrolytic 2 Step Color Standards—Architectural
AAC color standards for anodized aluminum to which anodizers will produce extrusions, sheet, or coil anodized aluminum for architectural applications such as windows, storefronts, curtain walls, roofing, fascia, coping, composite panels, doors, and signs. Color samples included in this pamphlet are champagne bronze (AAC-CB1), light bronze (AAC-LB2), medium bronze (AAC-MB3), dark bronze (AAC-DB4), deep bronze (AAC-DB5), and black (AAC-B6).
Member $15 Nonmember $30
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#BP4 Anodic Coating Defects Their Causes & Cure
by Arthur W. Brace
This is another informative book by Arthur W. Brace that should be in the office of all anodizers. “… All industrial processes give rise to defects which are the cause of rejection. … Anodizing has a feature that is not shared by other finishing process; namely, that the final result depends upon the quality of the underlying metal as well as the skill of the anodizer. This publication attempts to identify, not only the defects arising from the processes involved in producing an anodic finish, but also those that may have originated in the material.”
Member $150 Nonmember $180
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Free Publications


AAC Guideline for Hardcoat Anodizing
This application guideline covers the typical performance requirements for hard anodic oxide finishes (often referred to as hardcoat anodizing) on aluminum alloy parts.

How is Anodizing used in the Automotive Market?
A summary account of anodized aluminum's role in the automotive industry and how it satisfies the factors that must be considered when selecting a high performance finish, including cost, durability, color stability, aesthetics, health & safety, capacity, color selection, and ease of maintenance.

Architectural Anodizing
Originally appearing as an article in the November 1999 issue of Products Finishing magazine, the information provided in this section offers general information about the anodizing process including its advantages, its impact on the environment, and some of its attributes including color choices and durability.

Automotive Standard AAC 1119
A .pdf version of the standard showing the typical requirements for clear and colored anodic oxide finishes on automotive aluminum and aluminum alloy parts. Based on application, six types of anodic oxide finishes are specified.

Interference Coloring (Three-Step)
This section explains one of the newer developments in aluminum finishing that allows anodizers the ability to produce a wide palette of stable colors with an anodized finish. These colors offer a whole new world and dimension to architects, designers, and others. They are a real departure from the traditional bronzes and black of the two-step electrolytic process. These colors are produced by the refraction, reflection, and absorption of light hitting the surface. Because of this they are impervious to the effects of ultraviolet radiation and therefore are stable and will not fade with time and exposure in outdoor applications.

Technical Bulletin #2-13 Excerpt (Specifying Anodized Aluminum)
Excerpted from AAC's Technical Bulletin #2-13, the information presented here is intended to be a useful guide for anyone seeking requirements, explanations, and reference materials when specifying finishes for anodized aluminum. The novice will gain insightful background information and guidance, while the expert may use this as a quick reference.