No need to mask the conductive parts!?
DM SeriesTM is the conduct electricity anodizing, that have the effects of electromagnetic wave shielding , and prevent static electricity.

If you want electrical conductivity but are worried about the time and cost involved with masking, this is a must-see! Our product, “DM SeriesTM” can be electrified without masking. Furthermore, it can be selectively applied to only those areas that require electrical conductivity.DM SeriesTM is an anodized aluminum that can be used for parts that require electrical conductivity or electromagnetic shielding. It can be used not only for aluminum wrought materials, but also for castings and aluminum die castings. DM SeriesTM fully exhibits the characteristics of anodized aluminum, such as “shielding effect,” “coloring,” “wear resistance,” and “antistatic.”

Overview of DM SeriesTM (Electrically Conductive Anodizing)

It is commonly known that aluminum has good electrical conductivity, but anodized aluminum is an insulating coating.
The reason is that anodized aluminum was developed by the Riken (the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research) as an insulating material, and then functional improvements such as hardness, corrosion resistance, and coloring were added to it, and it is now widely used in the world. Therefore, when it is necessary to conduct electricity, it is dealt with by chemical conversion treatment or partial masking treatment.
However, our company has overturned the conventional wisdom of anodizing by developing and putting into practical use “electrically conductive anodizing” for the first time in the world. “Conductive Mite” has good abrasion resistance and conductivity due to the ingenuity of the processing liquid and the addition of work processes.Therefore, it can be expected to be used in devices that require antistatic and electromagnetic shielding properties.In addition, because it has the same hardness as iron, it is scratch(dent)-resistant and has excellent abrasion resistance.

Examples Where Conductivity Is Required
Examples Where Conductivity Is Required

Features of DM SeriesTM

For Aluminum Cast and Die-CastFor Wrought Aluminum
ColorVirtually any color
Hardness300–350 HV (varies by alloy)350–400 HV (varies by alloy)
Coating Resistance 100～10-2Ω　(measured via 4-terminal method)
Shielding Performance0.1MHz～1GHz　Comparable to aluminum material (*slight variation by alloy)

Electromagnetic Shielding Performance

Unlike standard anodizing, DM Series demonstrates a sufficient shielding effect on par with bare aluminum material.

Applications of DM SeriesTM

  • Components requiring electrical conductivity
  • Components requiring electromagnetic (EM) shielding

Materials and Sizes Compatible with DM SeriesTM

For Aluminum Castings and Die-CastsFor Wrought Aluminum
MaterialAluminum Castings: AC1A, AC2A, AC2B, AC3A, AC4A, AC4B, AC4C, AC4CH, AC4D, AC4DH, AC5A, AC7A, AC8A, AC8B, AC8C, AC9A, AC9B
Aluminum Die-Casts: ADC3, ADC5, ADC6, ADC10, ADC12, ADC12Z, ADC14 		Pure Aluminum Series: A1050, A1100, A1200, etc.
High tensile aluminum alloys: A2017, A2024, A7075, etc.
Corrosion resisting aluminum alloys: A3003, A5052, A5056, A5083, A6061, A6063, etc.
Others: A4043, AC4C
SizeUp to 500 × 120 × 600 mm

Measuring Method for DM SeriesTM

(Please read before performing any conductivity tests)

We have received many inquiries about the measurement method of the conductivity of our DM Series™, such as some users report that measuring with a tester’s probe tip sometimes indicates conductivity and sometimes does not.

Please refer to the following recommended method for conducting a continuity test.

Important Note
Due to the conductive properties of anodized aluminum, the coating must have an area or length of at least 2 mm² at the contact point.
Therefore, when testing conductivity with a multimeter or tester, we recommend the following approaches:

  1. Hold the tester so that the measurement terminal on the DM Series side is parallel to the sample’s surface, and measure again.
  2. Place a piece of metal on the DM Series™ surface, then press the tester probe onto that metal.
    Caution:
    Using an alligator clip or another contact fixture that provides a stable contact area is highly recommended. Measuring with only the very tip of a probe may yield inconsistent results.

NG Example: Improper Terminal Orientation

When testing only at the very tip of the probe, you may get inconsistent readings (conductive vs. non-conductive).

Correct Measurement Example (1): Metal + Applied Pressure

Place a piece of metal (at least 2 mm² in surface area) on top of the DM Series™ coating, then apply at least 50 g of pressure from above when measuring.

Correct Measurement Example (2): Adjust the Tester Orientation

Make the measuring terminal on the DM Series™ side parallel to the surface, or angle it to match the tip angle, and then measure.

When the measuring terminal is parallel
When the measuring terminal is angled

Frequently Asked Questions

It refers to a material’s property of couducting electricity.
It is the name of the “conductive anodized aluminum” that our company put into practical use for the first time in the world. This coating not only provides electrical conductivity but also retains the functional features of anodizing, including wear resistance, hardness, corrosion resistance, coloration capability. And it also have an anti-static properties, and electromagnetic shielding effects.
Of cource we have. Please try our new anodized aluminum “DM seriesTM” that couducts electricity to developed by our company.). Because the coating formed by DMseries conducts electricity between the surface and the substrate, therefore, electricity can flow from anywhere on the surface as long as the surface area is above a certain level.
As shown in the photo, DM SeriesTM can light LEDs. There may be slight variations depending on the contact location and contact area of the DMseries, but it will generally lights up.

Yes. Although it depends on the aluminum alloy type, almost all color can be handled. Please consult with us for details.

Of cource we have. Please try our new anodized aluminum “DM seriesTM” that couducts electricity to developed by our company. Because this coating itself conducts electricity between the surface and the substrate, no masking is required. Moreover, electricity can flow from anywhere on the surface as long as the surface area is above a certain level.

A major feature of our DM SeriesTM is its electromagnetic shielding properties.
While electromagnetic shielding is said to be difficult with general anodized aluminum, DM SeriesTM has the same magnetic field shielding performance as aluminum materials, especially at frequencies from 0.1 MHz to 1 GHz.
Also, at frequencies above 1 GHz, the shielding effect is improved for both electric and magnetic fields because the material is metal.

Of cource we can.
Since conductive anodized aluminum is made from one type of anodized aluminum, it can withstand scratches caused by normal assembly work. It also has excellent corrosion resistance, so there is no problem with wiping with solvents, etc. (Note: Acidic cleaners are not recommended.)

Of cource we have. Please try our new anodized aluminum “DM seriesTM” that couducts electricity to developed by our company. Because this coating conducts electricity, surface static electricity can be removed by simply dropping one surface grounding point.

Company Overview

Art 1 Inc.

Headquarters (Main Factory)
822-3 Shimokusayanagi, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa 242-0027, Japan

Yamato Second Factory
864-2 Shimokusayanagi, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa 242-0027, Japan

Yamato Third Factory
864-3 Shimokusayanagi, Yamato-shi, Kanagawa 242-0027, Japan

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