[sage]

I hate to open up this whole discussion again, but being of scientific mind I can't help being perplexed by the question "what IS the correct way to achieve a properly anodized chunk of aluminum".
I used to calculate every thing based on amp-minutes per square inch with the knowledge that so many amp-minutes (current x time) would produce a reasonable result. This was based on experience and results. The calculation was simple enough. I used 8 amps-minutes x the square inches of the part and divide by the current of my choice based on power supply abilities tank size and a few other things. The number 8amp minutesscame from test results.
Then I got on this forum and everyone was using the 720 rule and that actually seemed to make more sense since it dictated a particular current density. From a scientific point of view I figured that the actual density of the current or electrons hitting the surface and doing the anodizing would best be controlled accuratly. The 720 rule does this (I think). This was in contradction to my old method which had somewhat variable CD's if you plug the numbers I was unsing into the 720 calculator.
Then along comes the LCD method and the statements posted in this forum:
1amp for 50 sqin for 240 minutes = 1mil
1amp for 25 sqin for 120 minutes = 1mil
These are two completely different current densities and look more like my old method of amp-minutes per square inch calculations.

Now I know that either method works fine but it still begs the question what really is the best / proper method of doing this.

I've standardized on the 720 rule because it seems to be more based on something scientific and I'm getting great results and the calculator is available and it's easier to recalculate if the process changes. But I always used to get good results with my old method too.

Sorry to start this debate all over but my technical mind is not satisfied yet.


Sage