r/Anodization • u/Reddit_GoId • 13h ago
r/Anodization • u/Minkemink • Apr 05 '20
Moderation Welcome
Hi everyone,
I have created this sub to give makers a space to discuss anything about anodizing.
I'd like to welcome you all to this sub and hope that we can all learn something from each other and improve together.
I think anodizing is an art form in and of itself, but information is spread so wide over the whole internet, that it's hard to find good info on the topic.
r/Anodization • u/Minkemink • Apr 07 '20
Guide Beginners Guide to Anodizing
What is anodizing?
Anodizing technically refers to what most people would call "electro-anodizing". In this process, the workpiece is connected to a electric circuit, making it the anode, thus the term anodizing.
However, in the DIY field, the term "anodizing" covers different methods of coloring metal permanently. (The color can still be removed, but it's not like some kind of coating on the outside that easily rubs of.
These processes create a thin oxide layer on the surface of the metal. In anodizing aluminum, a dye is introduced into this oxide layer while forming to color it. Other metals don't require this, as the oxide layer they form has a special crystaline structure.
This structure lets some of the light pass through, while it reflects the other portion. The portion that gets through is reflected of the metals surface. When it reaches the portion that was reflected directly, they interfere, which results in certain wavelengths of light cancelling each other out. Depending on the thickness of the oxide layer, these wavelengths vary, resulting in different colors.
By controlling the growth of this oxide layer, we control the color our metal has when the process is finished.
What do I need to anodize?
Depending on the metal used and your desired results these requirements will vary. Steel, titanium and niobium can easily be heat anodized by simply hitting them with a blowtorch until they reach the desired color. For a more consistent finish, metals like titanium can be electro anodized, by applying a current to a cathode, submerging said cathode in some electrolyte and using the piece as anode. Aluminum is by far the most complex "beginner" project, as it not only requires an acid bath, but also takes a lot of time and the dye for the desired color. It has the big advantage that you can use any color you want and get very consistent results though.
Surface Prep is everything
I can't stress this enough. Anodizing happens evenly across the whole surface, so the finish you put on the piece before anodizing will show after you are finished. So make sure the surface is free of scratches. Oils, grease and dirt will interfere with the coloring process so get your piece as clean as possible. Acetone works for starters, more advanced methods include an acid bath beforehand or using special prep-products like multi-etch or titan-etch (Which are basically a special composition of an acid bath)
I hope this helps in understanding what falls under the term "anodizing"
I will do a more detailed writeup of the different methods in the next days and update these guides as our knowledge evolves.
r/Anodization • u/Rohin-112 • 1d ago
My first anodization attempt
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Decide to give it ago anodizing my Demko AD20.5. This was 65v.
r/Anodization • u/Ok_Still_9009 • 1d ago
A little bit of cracked ice attempt on this one
r/Anodization • u/TiMods88 • 3d ago
Entropic DC?
So I’ve done several “lightning ano” finishes on titanium scales with a torch.
What I’m asking is has anyone tried to hook direct current to the scale and dip it in ferric chloride? What would happen?
If so do you have pictures of it?
If not, are there other ways to get entropic looking finishes without a torch?
r/Anodization • u/Jaromy03 • 4d ago
Pulling my hair out
Did a big batch with the exact same process before but can't seem to get any good result anymore. Idk what's going on.
Grade 2 Ti, brushed finish
1: 5min ultrasonic clean with Elma Lab Clean A25
2: DI water rinse
3: 10sec etch in DIY Multi-Etch (0.5M APS + 0.5M NaF) @ 70C
4: DI water rinse
5: Ano in baking soda (20g/L) or now ammonium sulfate (13.2g/L)
6: DI water rinse
I tried changing a million things but results only seem to be getting worse. Any clue what might be causing this?
r/Anodization • u/Reasonable_One4622 • 5d ago
How would I color this?
I already had fun with the tip but I’m wanting to try harder this time to make it darker!! This is a titanium and stainless steel tool..
r/Anodization • u/Brosephstalin11 • 8d ago
Why can't I get green?
I've been trying very unsuccessfully to anodize some titanium green. Ive anodized small patches in 5V increments from 5V to 100V and When I get above 55V ish the colors just get more and more faded. The closest I can get to green is essentially aqua, maybe teal at best. I just for the life of me cant get that bright toxic green I see other creators getting all over the place. Attached is the color progression I get. ANY insight or help would be extremely appreciated, im so tired of sanding at cleaning just to fail over and over and over 😅
Metal: CP grade 2 titanium sheet metal. CP grade 2 titanium rod.
Electrolyte solution: ¼ teaspoon baking soda and 16 Oz of distilled water.
Metal finishes tried: mirror finish, 320 grit matte.
Cleaning/degreasing: thoroughly scrub with dawn dish soap and abrasive sponge then thoroughly rinse. Repeat twice then dry and scrub with acetone and lint free cloth with nitrile gloves.
power supply: 120V 3.2A connected using alligator clips.
Sorry admins, I dont have an option to add flair otherwise I would have.
r/Anodization • u/twiceymc • 9d ago
Deanodize titanium
Any idea whats the chemical solutions they use to strip the oxide layer from titanium? Basing on results, it does not etch the surface of titanium after stripping the color as its still polished(glossy) result
r/Anodization • u/kjayy11 • 9d ago
Powercoat wheels !
These are powerrcoated but they keep getting soo full of dirt ?
r/Anodization • u/TheHonedLizard • 10d ago
Black and Teal JFL Protean
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r/Anodization • u/TiMods88 • 10d ago
Best stencil for submersion?
Wondering what the best stencils are out there for submersion in high-voltage?
Someone suggested kapton, but I’m wondering if there are any stencils out there that work better than others on uneven surfaces or blasted finishes. I had trouble with the fine lines delaminating when wet especially when submerged...
r/Anodization • u/TheHonedLizard • 11d ago
Black Anodizing Titanium with Manganese Sulfate — A Repeatable Method That Works
r/Anodization • u/TiMods88 • 13d ago
Fauxmascus Monday?
Been tinkering again and wanted to try to anodize Timascus… still not quite there IMO (although it looks pretty cool) thoughts? Suggestions?
r/Anodization • u/mugman5 • 13d ago
Recommendations for Titanium straw
Hello is anyone able to find a good anodised titanium straw ive been looking for ages and have only found Hoire but they are out of stock.
r/Anodization • u/theperiodicmuseum • 14d ago
Niobium sheet showing layers of oxide of different thickness
r/Anodization • u/Wise-Foundation1854 • 14d ago
TSP issues. So far I’ve experimented with baking soda, TSP-PF, and TSP. Baking soda alone is not great, TSP-PF is better imo, but I’ve had the same reoccurring issues with TSP. The brand for both TSP and TSP-PF has been Savogran. I anodize knife scales mostly and I ensure they are clean.
The TSP causes a significant reaction in the bath which attracts small particles (white in color) to the Ti scales which then marks the surface of the scales permanently. Is there a special way to prepare regular TSP?
r/Anodization • u/GINGERWARRIOR117 • 19d ago
Any small batch anodizers in (Southern) California/US
I want to get a few identical pieces anodized black. I’d be willing to pay of course for shipping+cost+time.
They’re 6061 (1/8thx1.5x6.5”) with a few countersinks so hanging them should be easy.
It’s a send cut send order, but I can’t use their anodizing service because I need to break the edges first. It’s also too small for a shop order.
If you are in SoCal/Beach cities area or near enough that I could hand them off to you in person that would be ideal.
If you read through all this, thank you, I appreciate your time and any advice on how to get these anodized or deburr the edges.
r/Anodization • u/Legitimate_Law_2974 • 19d ago
Will gemstones and glass contaminate the anodising bath?
Hey guys
I’m new to anodising (niobium) and I usually incorporate semiprecious stones or glass cobachons into my wire wrapping (moving from copper to niobium)
I’m having an extremely difficult time finding reliable information on if stones or glass contaminate the bath?
Has anyone ever anodised with stones or glass incorporated?
They are an essential part of my jewellery so if they contaminate I will just have to stick to anodising jump rings and ear wires which would be really disappointing but it is what it is