Can anyone help me?

[PeterM]

Hi
Im a guy from sweden that just started anodizing. I dont have much knowledge about the process (not like you ) but ive read some material and decided to try it out.
Now, heres the problem: Every part i anodize keeps getting bad. The finish looks good, but its not hard at all, and its very easy to scratch it with a needle. Something must be wrong since anodized parts should be really hard?.
Heres my equip:
50/50 acid/distilled water giving ~20% conc.
30 amp lab rectifier
lead cathode
small aluminium parts hanging in alu-wires (connected as anod)
can anyone help me? why does the result get so poor? i tried anodizing with the right amount calculated power and over time, but i just cant get it good.
Please help me
//P.M

And thanks caswell, for this really good website/forum

[mcaswell]

You simply aren't using our LCD system.

Go to the webpage, look for the anodizing page, and download the instructions.
Throw out your exicsting instructions and solution and start over.

Don't 'hang' things from wires, the contact is lousy AND YOU WILL FAIL!

[PeterM]

Hi again
Thanks for the reply, though it didnt answer my question why i fail? Ive read that you can use alu. hanging wires? I would appreciate an answer, so i actually learn something from my failures.

[mcaswell]

There are many posts here that already answer your questions, but basically, the wire needs to be screwed tightly into the part, or the part will charge and stop anodizing. Simply hanging the part from a wire will not work.

[PeterM]

Ok thanks.
I have the wire thightly screwed to the rod(anode), but since i saw many pictures of setups where people just put the parts on the wires (pin it) and managed to get connection without using screws/bolts i thought that would work.
I could invest in your LCD-system (that would save me time for sure), but since i live in Sweden theres problem with shipment. Or are there any other ways in sending merchandise except by air?
//P.M

[Fibergeek]

PeterM,

This thread discusses the importance of, and methods used to make the electrical connections:

Tank Size vs. Acid Concentration

This one shows some pictures of what happens when the connections are not good:

I Think I Came Close to a Type III Hardcoat

[PeterM]

Thanks alot Fibergeek, really appreciate it.
Ive read the threads and got much new information. Im currently building a new setup with aluminium screws to get better connection.
//P.M

[whistule]

Peter,

I'm in Scotland and I order things through an distributor for Caswell in England. This may or may not be better for you but I would drop him a line to see what he can do. His name is Jeep and you can get him on this email >> caswell-europe@caswellplating.com. You can mention my name (misha) as I have a good dialogue with him. I think he is being pushed by Caswell as an europe wide distributor - caswell might be able to tell you more about this. As yet he doesn't stock all caswell products but the impression I get is this is changing as he is gaining more customers.