Paper 10: Experience with Aluminium Alloys for Exterior Trim

Abstract

One sphere in which corrosion has presented little or no problem is that of bright anodized exterior trim on motor vehicles. A brief survey is made in this paper of the principal aluminium alloys used for this purpose, the nature of the anodizing process, and methods used for quality control. The excellent service performance is a result of the use of high-purity materials coupled with the extreme care and cleanliness required at all stages of production and fabrication to produce materials of anodizing quality. Reference is also made to maintenance, design, fixing, and painting of anodized trim.