How can i anodize aluminum

To anodize aluminum, set up a plastic tub in a well-ventilated area and put your power supply on a non-flammable surface. Next, tie one end of a gauge aluminum wire to your anode, wrap the middle of the wire around a piece of wood, and set a lead cathode on each side of the tub.

Mix 1 part distilled water and 1 part battery acid in the tub, connect the aluminum wires to the power supply, and turn on the power source for 45 minutes. Then, remove your aluminum from the tub and rinse it with distilled water. For more tips on creating the anodizing bath, read on!

Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary.

Part 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Buy some standard aluminum alloy metal parts. Anodizing works particularly well with aluminum, so, if careful, you can do it at home. Use small aluminum pieces to begin with so that you can submerge it in small quantities of acid. During this process, the part that you are anodizing will function as your anode.

Buy a thick plastic tub to submerge your metal. Choose a type of plastic that is extremely hard and durable. The exact size of the tub you will need depends on what you're working with, but it should be large enough to hold your metal piece and the aluminum and still have some extra room for the liquids.

Find some clothing dye at a local craft store. During the anodizing process, you can dye the metal almost any color using a standard fabric dye. This is the process Apple uses to color iPods.

Purchase the items you need for anodizing. You will need several particular pieces of equipment to anodize at home. Most of these items can be found at your local hardware or home improvement store. These include: A degreaser product 2 lead cathodes long enough to overhang your plastic bin A roll of aluminum wire Enough distilled water to fill your plastic tub Baking soda Rubber gloves.

Find places to purchase the hard-to-source supplies. For anodizing, you will need several gallons of sulfuric acid battery acid , lye, and a constant power supply of at least 20 volts.

The battery acid may be hard to find; however, it is usually available at auto parts stores. A large battery charger should work as a constant power supply. Part 2. Wash your metal with soap and water. Cleaning off dirt and debris helps keep the anodizing process running smoothly, and reduces the chances of imperfections as you work.

Wash the object you want to anodize using a gentle detergent and warm water. Then, dry it completely with a clean rag or paper towel. Apply a degreaser with a cloth. Technical Support:. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that deposits a protective layer on the surface of aluminum. In addition to corrosion and wear protection, it provides an aesthetic finish. Anodizing involves cleaning the aluminum part typically a sheet or an extrusion and placing it in a tank of acid. An electrical current is passed through the aluminum and an aluminum oxide layer forms on the surface of the part.

Variables are introduced during these processes that can affect bond performance. Type I uses chromic acid. Because of environmental concerns associated with chromium, it is no longer commonly used. Type II uses sulfuric acid. This type is by far the most common; architectural finishes are among the surfaces created using Type II.

Type III, often referred to as black or hardcoat anodizing, also uses sulfuric acid. However, a Type III surface has a much thicker oxide layer. In addition to these types, other anodizing processes have been developed. The combination of the aluminum surface and negatively charged ions create a barrier layer, which is known in the anodizing aluminum process as the surface layer the makes parts resistant to corrosion. Anodized Type I: This is the most basic type, using chromic acid to produce a thin and ductile anodized layer on an aluminum part.

Anodized Type II: Instead of using chromic acid, Type II utilizes sulfuric acid in order produce a thicker anodized layer on a part, making it more suitable for coloration. Anodized Type III: Similarly to Type II, this method also uses sulfuric acid, but produces a thicker anodized layer that is also suitable for coloration. Anodizing aluminum parts also presents an array of options when it comes to adding color.

The coloration process works by injecting a pigment into the empty pores of the part. You might not realize it, but you probably interact with products and parts that have been anodized on a daily basis. There are a number of benefit you can leverage when anodizing aluminum parts, both visually and mechanically. For starters, anodized aluminum parts are exceptionally durable and hard.

It also offers terrific thermal insulation to metal parts. The anodizing aluminum process will help metal parts last longer than raw parts. If you do spill a serious amount of acid, its nice to have some alkali handy to neutralise it. Fizz the aluminium in caustic soda solution until it looks a nice grey colour.

If the aluminium is already anodized, it is possible to remove the anodized layer by leaving it in the caustic soda bath for longer.

I've not read of the correct strength of the caustic soda bath for preparing the metal. An eggcup or two of caustic soda granules in a pint of warm water works for me. If you have some desmut in nitric acid to clean of the other metals, then wash off the part once more with lots of water. Without nitric acid, just try to clean up the part as best you can with hot soapy water and then rinse.

Suspend the aluminium part in the acid so it is completely immersed using some kind of aluminium wire or aluminium strut. The only metals allowed in the bath are aluminium and lead. Make sure you get a good electrical connection. Bear in mind that any parts where the suspending wire touches the part it will not be anodized, and will not take up the dye. Twist a bit of wire into a tapped hole or something. Make sure that you don't touch the part. Grease from finger prints can leave a mark on the finished item.

Get some good gloves. Place a Lead cathode in the bath.