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Alodizing as a replacement for anodizing

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 13 of 31 on Cleaning and Corrosion Control. ACS element AM.I.G.K13 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhich chemical treatment for aluminum alloys is described as rapidly replacing anodizing in aircraft work because of its simplicity?

  1. APickling in muriatic acid
  2. BElectrocleaning in a hot alkaline bath
  3. CAlodizing
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Alodizing

  • A — incorrect Pickling is a chemical cleaning process for steel parts to remove scale, rust, or other foreign matter, not a conversion coating for aluminum.
  • B — incorrect Electrocleaning removes grease, oil, or organic matter by passing current through a hot alkaline solution; it does not produce a protective coating.
  • C — correct Alodizing is a simple chemical treatment for all aluminum alloys that increases corrosion resistance and improves paint bonding; because of its simplicity it is rapidly replacing anodizing in aircraft work.

BACKGROUND

Anodizing is the most common surface treatment of nonclad aluminum alloy surfaces; the part is the positive pole in an electrolytic bath in which chromic acid or another oxidizing agent thickens the natural aluminum oxide film. Alodizing is a simple chemical treatment for all aluminum alloys that increases corrosion resistance and improves paint bonding, and because of its simplicity it is rapidly replacing anodizing. The alodizing process consists of precleaning with an acidic or alkaline cleaner, rinsing with fresh water under pressure for 10 to 15 seconds, applying Bonderite by dipping, spraying, or brushing, rinsing again, and a final 10 to 15 second Deoxylyte rinse that leaves the surface slightly acid on drying.

STUDY TIP

Distinguish the two aluminum conversion coatings: anodizing is electrolytic and done in specialized facilities; alodizing is a simple chemical dip, spray, or brush process.

KEY POINTS

  • Anodizing: electrolytic, part is the positive pole, thickens the oxide film
  • Alodizing: simple chemical treatment, improves corrosion resistance and paint bonding
  • Alodizing is rapidly replacing anodizing because of its simplicity

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch08 "Alodizing"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.