annodizing

[Nick05]

heyy im trying to do a science project on annodizing pieces of metal. has annyone got an annodizing setup of any tips on the process ?
thanx

[scottmeister]

Get friendly with an electrochemical series and electrolytic cells.

[old_fart]

Ey nick, why don';t you ask Mr. D tomorrow at school? lol

Cya at school

Elton

[Red Rocket]

heyy im trying to do a science project on annodizing pieces of metal. has annyone got an annodizing setup of any tips on the process ?
thanx

Home decorative ano (not hard ano) can be done pretty easily with a few basic supplies. I suggest searching 'home anodising' on google. You are sure to find the answers you are looking for. Might I also suggest Paintball gun forums. Those paintballers are fanatical about having their guns ano'd up in funky colours, hence they do it all the time at home.

[noddy]

i'm planning on anodizing my technology studies project and found this...

http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize99.html

it seems pretty good, i havent actually tryed anything yet, i am still trying to find a real cheap battery charger that is not automatic...

[Grip]

This might help


Anodizing Basics
Aluminum is anodized for corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, insulation from electricity, adhesion, or aesthetic enhancement.
Definition

Anodizing is the successful development and control of a natural oxidation process that occurs when aluminum is exposed to the atmosphere. Electricity and chemicals are used jointly to produce a hard, transparent surface that is integral with base aluminum.
Characteristics

Hard, comparable to a sapphire
Transparent, similar to glass
Insulative and static-resistant
Wide variety of colors and finishes
Integral with aluminum surfaces, non-flaking
The Anodizing Process

Batch (or piece), sheet, and coil anodizing all consist of three processing stages:
Pretreatment

The aluminum surface is first cleaned then chemically treated. Etching results in a satin matte appearance. Various degrees of etching can be specified (i.e. light, medium, heavy). Bright-dipping will enhance an already bright aluminum surface, and result in varying degrees of reflective finishes.
Anodizing

Once the surface is prepared, the anodic film is built. Electrical current is passed through an electrolyte bath in which the aluminum has been immersed. The anodize film is built from the aluminum itself, not applied. It is a hard and porous film. The coating thickness may be tightly controlled, based on the end use product.
Post Treatment

The porous anodic film can be colored in this stage. Organic dyes can be used to fill pores with color, or metal salts can be electrochemically deposited at the base of the pores to create a broad spectrum of colors. Many of the colors are fade-resistant. Sealing the anodic film normally consists of a hot water bath that basically swells the pores shut.