Anodizing Aluminum

[richard.nott]

was wanting to learn how to anodize aluminum for home use and small projects. metal would be at maximum 3" in diameter and maybe 15" long. Realize the use of low voltage electrical power is needed and some kind of acid for a transfer median will be used safety is a must. would appreciate any help to get started.

[astroracer]

Hi Richard, welcome to HMT! Your best bet is to get a complete kit with everything you will need. I have used Caswell's cold black oxide kit with good results. Their anodizing kits for aluminum are here:
Anodizing Kits - Caswell Inc
Keep us in the loop on what you do, i am interested in these as well.
Mark

[Jon]

Hi richard - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Keep us posted...

[kbalch]

Hi richard,

Welcome!

What sort of components are you planning to anodize?

Ken

[richard.nott]

at this time i'm wanting to learn how and do a little experimentation on some 6061 or 7075 aluminum

[Moby Duck]

I am not a lot of help with the process, but I once worked next to an electronic workshop that did small items all the time. I do know that they used a variable DC power supply, and an enamel tray full of electrolyte. I wish now that I had paid more attention to the process. What I do know is that they coloured the items by adding dye to the electrolyte so that it was deposited with the anodising. Sometimes it was food colouring and other times it was fabric dye. The coloured end products were bright and shiney, just like bought ones.

[jotasierra]

Hola Richart, estoy de acuerdo con lo indicado por astroracer, lo primordial en este trabajo es LA SEGURIDAD, ten en cuenta que trabajaras con soda caustica y ácidos, a utilizar guantes, lentes, máscara para gases y trabajar en un lugar aireado, suerte y hasta pronto.