There are several different options available in both conforming as well as stick anodes. Lead of various alloys has been often the ideal material of choice, providing a durable product that can be precisely shaped and produced to meet any specifications required.
Manufacturing Options
There are two different ways to produce lead anodes. The most common option in many lead manufacturing companies is to use a casting process to create the form. This offers a relatively fast process, but there can be the risk of voids in the anode that cannot be detected until the anode is used in the process.
The second option is to use a rolled plate to form the anode. When the rolling process occurs, it naturally pushes out any air pockets and eliminates voids in the lead, ensuring there are no performance issues with the lead anodes produced using these methods.
With the uniform density and precision used in the manufacturing process, these rolled plate anodes will add to the length of time the anode will last. This can be as much as twice the duration of use from the cast anodes, which is certainly worth considering.
Anode Shapes
With the workability of lead being a critical factor, shaping of lead anodes is much easier than with other types of alloys. This allows for more elaborate as well as simple shapes to be produced with high levels of precision and to exacting specifications.
Traditional round anodes can be formed, along with rectangular and elliptical. More complex shapes such as 16-point star shapes and corrugated shapes that are various diameters can be formed from the alloy.
Most of the top manufacturers of anodes will also make these in any shape required. They can also provide drilling and tapping so the anodes arrive ready to use.
