Anodizing welded assemblies

[pgreen]

I'm new to this anodizing stuff, but couldn't exactly find my answers after a search....

I have some race car parts I want to have anodized. I'm not up to doing it myself yet, enough projects right now. But some of the parts I would like to do are welded assemblies. Most are welded with the 6063 (?) TIG rod that isn't the one you are supposed to use for anodization. What will this cause? Is it just a visual defect? Will it only have an issue at the weld?

I'm mostly wanting to anodize these parts to keep them clean, as this car is difficult enough to keep things clean without having to keep the aluminum polished.

Also, I have a sheet aluminum belly pan that is approximately 4' x 6' (1/16" 6061 T6). Is this something that many commercial anodizers can handle? If not, how about alodizing? Haven't seen what it looks like, but it seems simple and is available through aircraft suppliers, maybe here at Caswell too.

Thanks!

[destroyer125]

An industrial place may be able to handle your large pan like item. Alot of industrial places have tanks set up for doing massive amounts of small parts rather then 1 big part. Id suggest talking to local industrial places and see what their capabilities are.

For the welded part, The weld will most likely discolor. You used 6063 tig rod, but what alloy was the base aluminum you welded would play another big part as into how big its going to differ.

[pgreen]

The base parts are 6061 T6. At least most of them are. One is a tubing assembly, and I don't know the alloy. I would assume a 6000 series alloy.

Like I said, I can live with a "less than perfect" finish, as the parts are there for function, not appearance. I just want make the parts easier to clean. But I would like to have an idea of what the anodizing will do around the weld.

Thanks

[destroyer125]

6061 with a 6063 weld should anodize nice. There may be a discolor, but then again, no garuntee's until one is actually done.

[pgreen]

Thanks! That's really what I was looking for. A little discoloration isn't an issue. I'm looking for function over the look, but most of the welded seams will not be visible unless you are way deep into the car anyway.

I'll be contacting a few shops tomorrow.