“Do you guys have aluminum anodized in this color?” has been one of the most common questions we’ve been asked. In the past, the answer was “unfortunately not.” But no longer!

We are pleased to announce that we are now carrying 5005 anodized aluminum sheet in three colors. Those three colors are dark bronze, black, and clear.

What’s it good for?

A lot! Our 5005 colored anodized aluminum sheet is extremely corrosion resistant. It is also durable, providing long life and low maintenance cost. It is also non-hazardous and doesn’t have any harmful or dangerous byproducts. Typically, this material is used for structural/architectural applications, appliances, food preparation equipment, furniture, sporting goods, boats, motor vehicles, jewelry, and artwork.

Also, even better, anodizing is one of the most environmentally friendly industrial processes around. So you don’t have to feel guilty while using this material.

How is it anodized?

That’s a bit complicated. But the short answer is that the sheet is placed in an electrolytic solution with a cathode. The aluminum acts as an anode electrode and completes a circuit. An electrical current is then added to the solution. This releases hydrogen and oxygen, which causes an oxide later to form on the surface of the aluminum.

This new layer is what provides the corrosion resistance. And because of how it is formed, it removes the chance of chipping or peeling. It’s also porous which is what allows it to be dyed and sealed.

What thicknesses and where?

For the moment, our inventory of thicknesses will be modest. Each color will be available in .04″ and .063″ thick. If this material sells as well as we hope and suspect it will, we will increase our inventory options. They will be available in all of our normal sizes and also for custom cuts.

Similarly, this material will only be stocked in our Los Angeles facility for the moment. Again, if things go well, we will begin stocking this in one or more of our east coast facilities. Thank you for understanding.

Properties?

We have material certs for this material as well. Also, here is some of the mechanical and chemical properties for your perusal.

Density

Metric: 2.7 g/cc

Imperial: 0.0975 lb/in3

Hardness

Brinell: 43

Ultimate Tensile Strength

Metric: 160 MPa

Imperial: 23,000 psi

Yield Tensile Strength

Metric: 130 MPa

Imperial: 19,000 psi

Elongation at Break: 7.3%

Modulus of Elasticity

Metric: 68 GPa

Imperial: 9,900 ksi

Poissons Ratio: 0.33

Fatigue Strength

Metric: 74 MPa

Imperial: 11,000 psi

Shear Modulus

Metric: 26 GPa

Imperial: 3,770 ksi

Shear Strength

Metric: 96 MPa

Imperial: 14,000 psi

Melting point

Metric: 630 – 650 C

Imperial: 1170 – 1210 F

Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume

52% IACS

Elemental Properties

Aluminum (Al) – 97-99.5%

Chromium (Cr) – 0-0.1%

Copper (Cu) – 0-0.2%

Iron (Fe) – 0-0.7%

Magnesium (Mg) – 0.5-1.1%

Manganese (Mn) – 0-0.2%

Others – 0-0.15%

Silicon (Si) – 0-0.3%

Zinc (Zn) – 0-0.25%