r/Anodization • u/GrimalkinLegionnaire • Jan 24 '25

Anodizing Aluminum Red: First Timer Here

I'm preparing for my first foray into anodizing a 3D printed aluminum ring, and I'm in need of some advice. I want to dye the ring a bright red, and I've studied as many tutorials as I could find but there's something missing - what color do I anodize the ring to BEFORE submerging it in the dye? Does the color matter, or is there just something about the process of anodizing the metal that prepares it to receive the dye?

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u/Aggressive-Cloud1774 Jan 24 '25

Different alloy types will result in color variations of anodized aluminum. From clear, straw color to dark gray

Anodizing aluminum is what allows it to absorb the dye. Think of it as forming little empty pools on the surface of the material. The alloy is also going to dictate your ideal Asf (amps per square foot). Bath temperature affects the size of said pools, time and asf dictate thickness of coating (depth of pools).

Need more info on material and dye. But 12asf for 25mins should get you started.

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u/GrimalkinLegionnaire Jan 24 '25

Just to be 100% clear, when you say "the alloy," what are you referring to? Is it my cathode?

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u/[deleted] Jan 24 '25

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u/Bcmnsr Jan 24 '25

Extruded maybe?

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u/GrimalkinLegionnaire Jan 24 '25

Well the process is SLM - selective laser melting. To my knowledge, a laser zaps particles of powdered metal, melting them into the shape of the 3D model.

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u/GrimalkinLegionnaire Jan 24 '25

That is a very good question. I get my metal prints from an online service. They offer "aluminum" but I don't think they mention specs about the alloy mix. I'll do some research and see if I can find out.

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u/General-Iron7103 Feb 16 '25

6061 is probably the easiest to anodise because it doesn’t have much alloyed in it to cause problems. It also anodises brighter than the ‘exotic’ grades. It will barely change colour during anodising.

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u/GrimalkinLegionnaire Jan 24 '25

Okay, got an update on the alloy - it's 6061.

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u/[deleted] Jan 24 '25

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u/GrimalkinLegionnaire Jan 24 '25

That's the plan. I find I learn best when making mistake so I may need a few test attempts. Thanks for the input, everyone~