Comments on: How to: Anodize aluminum http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Thu, 23 May 2013 08:21:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Jaan http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1443888 Jaan Thu, 07 Jun 2012 03:19:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1443888 I really dig splash anodizing.  Here's one of my old school paintball guns; http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2849/sam0149b.jpg I really dig splash anodizing.  Here’s one of my old school paintball guns;

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2849/sam0149b.jpg

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1443442 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:49:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1443442 My aunt and uncle had them. I seem to remember thinking that they were naff. My aunt and uncle had them. I seem to remember thinking that they were naff.

]]> By: glatt1 http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1443000 glatt1 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:09:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1443000  Another way to remove anodized coatings is to let your babysitting mother in law wash your pots and pans.  Comet and steel wool instead of a sponge and Polmolive will take the coating right off.  And look, now the pot is shiny!  Another way to remove anodized coatings is to let your babysitting mother in law wash your pots and pans.  Comet and steel wool instead of a sponge and Polmolive will take the coating right off.  And look, now the pot is shiny!

]]> By: flosofl http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442981 flosofl Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:39:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442981 Do you have a source for that? It was my understanding that all the unibody MacBooks were anodized aluminum. Do you have a source for that? It was my understanding that all the unibody MacBooks were anodized aluminum.

]]> By: bingobangoboy http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442957 bingobangoboy Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:38:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442957 Paul Jenkins gets it, but I don't think you do. Paul Jenkins gets it, but I don’t think you do.

]]> By: 7LeagueBoots http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442953 7LeagueBoots Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:29:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442953  Rust is just a special case of oxidization.  Most people will understand "rust" but will need "oxidization" explained to them.  For a simple, popular educational video it makes sense, even if it's not technically correct.  Rust is just a special case of oxidization.  Most people will understand “rust” but will need “oxidization” explained to them.  For a simple, popular educational video it makes sense, even if it’s not technically correct.

]]> By: Phil Fot http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442933 Phil Fot Wed, 06 Jun 2012 11:25:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442933  I fondly remember those glasses. I often consider buying a set of the newer version, but hesitate to do so since it'll outlast me by decades. I like the look of annodized metal.  I fondly remember those glasses. I often consider buying a set of the newer version, but hesitate to do so since it’ll outlast me by decades. I like the look of annodized metal.

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442868 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:44:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442868 Did you escape from the Royal Home for the Terminally Poncey? Did you escape from the Royal Home for the Terminally Poncey?

]]> By: Demitri Baroutsos http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442859 Demitri Baroutsos Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:02:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442859 Both BoingBoing and Bill Hammack lost some respect with me today. Paul Jenkins above gets it. It's not "aluminum" (unless you're George Dubya Bush). It is aluminium. Nevertheless, the process is amazing. Both BoingBoing and Bill Hammack lost some respect with me today. Paul Jenkins above gets it. It’s not “aluminum” (unless you’re George Dubya Bush). It is aluminium. Nevertheless, the process is amazing.

]]> By: Kimmo http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442854 Kimmo Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:55:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442854 I did a brief stint anodising yacht masts. We didn't use hot water to seal the parts, we dunked the gear in some green stuff I've forgotten the name of. No idea whether it was a superior process, but keeping a 20m long bath near boiling wouldn't be cheap... I did a brief stint anodising yacht masts. We didn’t use hot water to seal the parts, we dunked the gear in some green stuff I’ve forgotten the name of.

No idea whether it was a superior process, but keeping a 20m long bath near boiling wouldn’t be cheap…

]]> By: Kimmo http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442852 Kimmo Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:50:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442852 That's a bit strong, but I agree he definitely over-simplifies. There's no call to go using the term 'rust' with anything other than ferrous metals. Not cool. That’s a bit strong, but I agree he definitely over-simplifies.

There’s no call to go using the term ‘rust’ with anything other than ferrous metals. Not cool.

]]> By: Kimmo http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442851 Kimmo Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:47:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442851 Another neat way of putting durable markings on anodising is to etch through it, often with a laser. I'm still waiting to see a part somebody's anodised again in a different colour rather than leaving the etched metal bare... Another neat way of putting durable markings on anodising is to etch through it, often with a laser.

I’m still waiting to see a part somebody’s anodised again in a different colour rather than leaving the etched metal bare…

]]> By: Kimmo http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442847 Kimmo Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:41:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442847 Yeah, I've been at least slightly interested in anodising since I saw those as a little kid. Became somewhat more interested in it when I got into tweaking my BMX in the 80s. Back in the day, I used to pity the guys who had those crappy chromed steel rims on their bikes that had a flaky coat of clear yellow laquer clearly intended to ape gold anodising... It's <i>such</i> a cool means of bling. Coloured metal, it's almost scifi. I love how it puts a really tough surface on ally, which is a wonderful material, only a bit soft. Yeah, I’ve been at least slightly interested in anodising since I saw those as a little kid. Became somewhat more interested in it when I got into tweaking my BMX in the 80s.

Back in the day, I used to pity the guys who had those crappy chromed steel rims on their bikes that had a flaky coat of clear yellow laquer clearly intended to ape gold anodising…

It’s such a cool means of bling. Coloured metal, it’s almost scifi. I love how it puts a really tough surface on ally, which is a wonderful material, only a bit soft.

]]> By: opsb http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442832 opsb Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:06:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442832 The Macbook Pros are powder coated.  It's not the same as anodized aluminum. The Macbook Pros are powder coated.  It’s not the same as anodized aluminum.

]]> By: John Harrison http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442818 John Harrison Wed, 06 Jun 2012 04:32:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442818 I think you mean that a gold anodized shower will look awful for 20 years. I think you mean that a gold anodized shower will look awful for 20 years.

]]> By: pjcamp http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442802 pjcamp Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:50:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442802  Invented in 1923 by British Defense to protect sea planes. Scuze me. iPlanes. Because Apple invented everything.  Invented in 1923 by British Defense to protect sea planes. Scuze me. iPlanes. Because Apple invented everything.

]]> By: Paul Jenkins http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442791 Paul Jenkins Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:21:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442791 Couple of more interesting facts about anodized aluminium. 1. The number of colors is essentially infinite, to get brighter colors you can "brite-dip" the part prior to anodizing, this is a form of chemical polishing. The "brite-dip" process is particularly harsh, the chemical polishing solution is made up of various acids and heated to near the boiling point of water. The solution is harsh enough to etch 316 stainless steel. 2. While hot water sealing does seal in the dye used to color the material, most dyes used in anodizing are organic. As a result they will fade over time. Thus, parts anodized black, blue, or red will fade in direct sunlight after a few years. The one color that won't fade is gold. The gold dye is inorganic and thus doesn't fade. A gold anodized shower door will look great for over twenty years. 3. The anodized aluminium coating is a dielectric (it will not conduct electricity), some companies use hard anodized (a thicker denser anodic coating up to .002") aluminum shims as insulators. Yes, that is right they use highly conductive aluminum parts as insulators. 4. Anodic coatings are tough but not indestructible. The hard anodized pots and pans from the makers of Calphalon should be hand washed. The combination of hard water and silght alkali nature of most automatic dishwasher detergents will slowly break down the coating over time. Strong acids and bases will damage anodized parts over time. Sometimes quite quickly. 5. If you wish to remove anodize (for example, you wish to polish your aluminum car parts) you first need to remove the anodize. The anodic coating is very durable, polishing it off is time consuming and frustrating. So you can remove the anodize with a little Easy-Off Oven Cleaner. The harsh caustic solution in Easy Off will remove the anodize in as little as 10 minutes. 6. While anodize is damaged by strong bases and acids, it is impervious to most petrochemicals. Acetone, lacquer thinner, brake cleaner, won't harm anodized parts. Some engine degreasers contain caustic chemicals and thus should be avoided. 7. Finally, to make your anodized parts look really good, clean with a mild soap and water. You can wax anodized parts with a non-abrasive carnauba car wax for a little more shine and to prevent water spotting. Finally to make it really look good wipe down any anodized parts with a little WD-40, it will remove any water spots and make the part really look it's best. Regards, Couple of more interesting facts about anodized aluminium.

1. The number of colors is essentially infinite, to get brighter colors you can “brite-dip” the part prior to anodizing, this is a form of chemical polishing. The “brite-dip” process is particularly harsh, the chemical polishing solution is made up of various acids and heated to near the boiling point of water. The solution is harsh enough to etch 316 stainless steel.

2. While hot water sealing does seal in the dye used to color the material, most dyes used in anodizing are organic. As a result they will fade over time. Thus, parts anodized black, blue, or red will fade in direct sunlight after a few years. The one color that won’t fade is gold. The gold dye is inorganic and thus doesn’t fade. A gold anodized shower door will look great for over twenty years.

3. The anodized aluminium coating is a dielectric (it will not conduct electricity), some companies use hard anodized (a thicker denser anodic coating up to .002″) aluminum shims as insulators. Yes, that is right they use highly conductive aluminum parts as insulators.

4. Anodic coatings are tough but not indestructible. The hard anodized pots and pans from the makers of Calphalon should be hand washed. The combination of hard water and silght alkali nature of most automatic dishwasher detergents will slowly break down the coating over time. Strong acids and bases will damage anodized parts over time. Sometimes quite quickly.

5. If you wish to remove anodize (for example, you wish to polish your aluminum car parts) you first need to remove the anodize. The anodic coating is very durable, polishing it off is time consuming and frustrating. So you can remove the anodize with a little Easy-Off Oven Cleaner. The harsh caustic solution in Easy Off will remove the anodize in as little as 10 minutes.

6. While anodize is damaged by strong bases and acids, it is impervious to most petrochemicals. Acetone, lacquer thinner, brake cleaner, won’t harm anodized parts. Some engine degreasers contain caustic chemicals and thus should be avoided.

7. Finally, to make your anodized parts look really good, clean with a mild soap and water. You can wax anodized parts with a non-abrasive carnauba car wax for a little more shine and to prevent water spotting. Finally to make it really look good wipe down any anodized parts with a little WD-40, it will remove any water spots and make the part really look it’s best.

Regards,

]]> By: Mister44 http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442760 Mister44 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 02:24:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442760 Used to play  A LOT of paintball. Most of the guns were aluminum and they got pretty fancy with colors, designs, and fades. I still have a few projects that I need to get anodized - just never got around to it. Used to play  A LOT of paintball. Most of the guns were aluminum and they got pretty fancy with colors, designs, and fades. I still have a few projects that I need to get anodized – just never got around to it.

]]> By: Okapi http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442701 Okapi Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:18:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442701 I absolutely hate this this new video from Engineer Guy Bill Hammack.....and all his other videos I have seen.  He is the  John H. Davis of engineering entertainment. I absolutely hate this this new video from Engineer Guy Bill Hammack…..and all his other videos I have seen.  He is the  John H. Davis of engineering entertainment.

]]> By: bobkat http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442678 bobkat Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:40:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442678 My understanding is that what you say is true for steel and malleable iron, but with cast iron, the iron oxide coating works in a similar way to anodizing and it protects the underlying metal.  Perhaps not as well as anodizing, but it significantly slows the oxidation process and the cast piece will not 'rust away' easily. My understanding is that what you say is true for steel and malleable iron, but with cast iron, the iron oxide coating works in a similar way to anodizing and it protects the underlying metal.  Perhaps not as well as anodizing, but it significantly slows the oxidation process and the cast piece will not ‘rust away’ easily.

]]> By: Felton / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442676 Felton / Moderator Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:36:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442676 If that's the riddle, I'm never getting into Thebes. If that’s the riddle, I’m never getting into Thebes.

]]> By: EH http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442655 EH Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:08:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442655 <a href="http://www.paintgages.com/List-of-Car-Manufacturers-who-use-Aluminum-Body-Panels-s/51.htm" rel="nofollow">Possibilities could be worse, I suppose.</a> Possibilities could be worse, I suppose.

]]> By: EH http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442650 EH Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:05:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442650 What is more mundane than an internet complaint? What is more mundane than an internet complaint?

]]> By: Ambiguity http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442599 Ambiguity Tue, 05 Jun 2012 23:07:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442599  I've seen pieces in anodized niobium. It's pretty cool!  I’ve seen pieces in anodized niobium. It’s pretty cool!

]]> By: SedanChair http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442582 SedanChair Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:51:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442582 Braided hose fittings, for me http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/spe-19190_w.jpg  Braided hose fittings, for me

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/spe-19190_w.jpg 

]]> By: Dave Nelson http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442575 Dave Nelson Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:45:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442575 I think Tektronix had the best idea. They would anodize a thin sheet of aluminum, but not seal it. They then printed front panel graphics on the panels and sealed them. Made the best looking and durable front panels in the industry. I think Tektronix had the best idea. They would anodize a thin sheet of aluminum, but not seal it. They then printed front panel graphics on the panels and sealed them. Made the best looking and durable front panels in the industry.

]]> By: Red Pill Junkie http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442566 Red Pill Junkie Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:40:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442566 Man, if only we could anodize our car's paints by now :-/ Man, if only we could anodize our car’s paints by now :-/

]]> By: jimh http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442567 jimh Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:40:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442567  BMX parts were often anodized aluminum. And if we got tired of the color, we used to strip them down to the raw aluminum using "easy-off" oven cleaner. I don't recommend this for electronics.  BMX parts were often anodized aluminum. And if we got tired of the color, we used to strip them down to the raw aluminum using “easy-off” oven cleaner. I don’t recommend this for electronics.

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442548 Antinous / Moderator Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:16:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442548 We're getting off your lawn right now! We’re getting off your lawn right now!

]]> By: Thorzdad http://boingboing.net/2012/06/05/how-to-anodize-aluminum.html#comment-1442547 Thorzdad Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:15:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=164828#comment-1442547 Back in the 80's and 90's, aftermarket bike parts came in all manner of anodized beauty. I'm still rolling with my anodized-red Avid Tri-Align II brakes on my bike. Back in the 80′s and 90′s, aftermarket bike parts came in all manner of anodized beauty. I’m still rolling with my anodized-red Avid Tri-Align II brakes on my bike.

]]>