Abstract: A system and method for computer controlled flexible manufacturing of aluminum articles having patterns thereon is disclosed. The pattern is digitized or otherwise reduced to computer-readable format and then printed onto an aluminum article under computer control. The pattern is preferably printed using an ink jet, dot matrix color printer which has been modified to feed the aluminum substrate in an essentially flat manner. The pattern can be sealed within the anodized coating of the aluminum article for permanence.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an aluminum surface includes treating the surface by cold plasma process employing a mixture of about 30 to 70 percent oxygen by volume and about 30 to 70 percent freon by volume and preferably about 40 to 60 percent by volume of each constituent gas. Performance is enhanced by employing particular wattage and flow rates. The process also produces a water wettable surface and a hydration resistant surface. The process will effect such conversions without substantial etching of the aluminum surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of etching a lithium-containing aluminum base alloy product, the method comprising the steps of providing an etch bath comprised of 30-110 gms/liter sodium hydroxide, 15-150 gms/liter aluminum, at least 20 gms/liter sodium sulphide, and at least 20 gms/liter triethanolamine, the remainder water. The bath is maintained at a temperature range of 150.degree. to 225.degree. F. and the product to be etched is immersed therein and then rinsed. This treatment provides a finish having smoothness of less than 100 microinches.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the production of aluminum reflective material having a higher total reflectance value. The process comprises controlling the anodizing conditions of a bright rolled aluminum alloy by immersing the alloy in a DC anodizing bath containing at least 26 wt. % sulfuric acid and the anodizing sheet at a current density of at least 1.94 amperes per square decimeter (18 amperes per square foot) at a temperature of from 15.56.degree. to 27.78.degree. C. (60.degree. to 82.degree. F.) for a time period of from about 0.5 to 10 minutes to provide a coating thickness of from about 0.06 to 0.22 mils. The process permits a highly reflective surface to be formed without subjecting the aluminum to a preliminary brightening process prior to anodizing.

Abstract: The invention comprises a highly reflective anodized aluminum alloy product consisting essentially of 0.25 to 1.5 wt. % magnesium with the balance aluminum anodized in a DC anodizing bath containing at least 26% sulfuric acid at a current density of at least 18 amperes per square foot at a temperature of at least 60.degree. F.

Abstract: Anodized aluminum is sealed in a one step process without the necessity of a further desmudging step. A metal acetate salt is mixed with soluble sulfate ion and a dispersing agent to provide a seal without leaving visible smudge on anodized aluminum.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the production of aluminum reflective material having a higher total reflectance value. The process comprises controlling the anodizing conditions of an aluminum alloy previously subjected to a brightening process by immersing the alloy in a DC anodizing bath containing at least 26 wt. % sulfuric acid and the anodizing sheet at a current density of at least 18 amperes per square foot at a temperature of at least 60.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a solar selective coating on aluminum comprises a preliminary treatment such as an etch or brightening followed by anodizing in phosphoric acid at a constant voltage of from 10-20 volts for a time period sufficient to provide a total current of from 90-175 coulombs per square decimeter of aluminum surface. Prior to sealing, the resultant anodized surface is subjected to a constant AC voltage coloring treatment in a concentrated metal sulfate solution containing at least 85 grams per liter of metal sulfates.