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Technical
Information
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Impact on material choice
A simple example, a marine application, helps illustrate
the importance of taking the whole process route --
including finishing -- into account.
A yacht furnisher had been using, for cosmetic and corrosion-resistance
reasons, window frames made out of stainless steel.
But, by changing to aluminium and carefully controlling
the anodising, a finish could be obtained that was almost
indistinguishable from stainless steel, with all the
manufacturing advantages of the lighter metal.
The implication is clear that if anodisers can talk
to designers and material specifiers in the early stages
of a project, everyone can end up making money -- and
better products into the bargain.
Unfortunately, component designers still need to be
persuaded to include the requirements of the finishing
process.
However, where anodisers can have an input into the
design stage, and obtain some recognition for the needs
of efficient jigging and processing, surface quality
and consistency can be optimised, and perhaps a fifth
can be cut off component costs. |
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