Re: Alumin(i)um question for UK members

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "edwinkraemer"
<edwinkraemer@e...> wrote:

>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Randy Gordon-Gilmore
> <zephyrus@r...> wrote:
> > In an old magazine, I read a mention of "Alcoa 946" aluminum

alloy,

> > which is supposed to be more wear resistant than mild steel while
> > still easily machinable and with good corrosion resistance. I

have

> > not been able to find any more details on this alloy, and Alcoa
> here
> > in the States has never heard of it (and does not use a numbering
> > system like that).
> >
> > Does anyone in the UK know what this alloy might be? I'd like to
> find
> > out at least the composition to compare with what might be
> available
> > here in the US. I have the feeling it might be one of the marine
> > alloys.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Randy
>
>
> aluminum is never harder than steel but can be anodized to create a
> ceramic like aluminum oxide which works well with nylon or teflon
> based bearings. 6061 anodizes well and pacific bearings or thompson
> are 2 sources eck

Hard anodized aluminum can be much harder than steel. But, it is
the surface, like case hardened. It will still bend much easier, but
you will wear out drill bits trying to make a hole.

I know it is just the wording, but for this application it is
important.

Another neat thing is that you can hard anodize at home.

Dave