Hi guys! Long time lurker, first time poster.
I've been using Caswell's plating and powder coating system(s) for some time now but I am a complete noob when it comes to anodizing, at least on a personal level. As an Engineering Designer, I've specified anodized finishes of different types for many years. Now I'm working on a personal project out in the garage which involves my car and I'm trying to decide if I should invest in an anodizing system or just farm out the work.
One of the things I want to do is to change the color(s) of all the AN fittings on my hoses. You know the type, Aeroquip or Russel, one piece fittings are usually blue in color, and 2-piece fittings are usually red & blue.
Anyway, I know that the process of anodizing adds a crystalline surface to the part which makes the part "larger" (grow) by ~.001 - .002 per side (the holes would get smaller respectively). The dying process only adds color not thickness, correct? Therefore, if you remove the color by stripping, the part would retain its larger size, correct? If you were to re-anodize the part with a new color, would you be adding a new crystalline surface on top of the old, making the part "grow" even larger?
Now for the kicker. What effect does all of this electrochemical processing have on the structural stability of the original anodized part? In other words, will my fittings still be able to handle the temperatures and pressures of their original design intent?