white ano

[fourkbmx]

since there is not white dye, does anyone know the right procedure to turn aluminium white, please explain the process, and if you can please use a synonim for "bead blasting"

[FigureLLC]

i use powder coat. bead blasting = sand blasting with glass beads or pellets. or could be other blasting media, but i think beads are usually glass? if you're anodizing, i don't think blasting is the way to go, bc it'll leave a rough finish that will make the anodizing look bad, but then i don't anodize.

[PBInferno]

Correct, beadblasting is like sandblasting, only with fine glass media as opposed to sand. When I want to do a "white" finish, I just beadblast the part prior to anodizing, and then go directly to the sealer (no dye). Here's a pic of a paintball marker done using this process:

[acidrain]

Bead blasting is glass media blasting with very fine clean glass beads. It leaves a "dust" finish. The beads I use are smaller than granular sugar.
It takes a very light dusting... too much pressure or if nozzle too close, the part will turn out blotchy.
When anodizing a part that is going to be left clear, the part must be absolutly perfect before going in the tank.
Also, I usually ano to only .5mil so that the ano doesn't turn yellow, then seal normally.
Here is a dust clear compared to white powder coating:

[fourkbmx]

thanks a lot for the info, do you think i'll get the same result if i prepare the part using caustic soda bath before going in the tank, instead of bead blasting?

[acidrain]

I have not had good luck using etch as a method of finishing a surface. Try some experiments and see what you think.

[FigureLLC]

that paintball gun it hot! that's a sweet technique.

i have experimented with sodium hydroxide and it sucked.

[fourkbmx]

i did some experiments, with no good results, do you know a cheaper method for giving a bead blasted finish? or a way to make a home made blaster?

[acidrain]

You can pick up a fairly cheap blast cabinet from Harbor freight for less than $100. Either add a light, or get one with a light.
A 50lb bag of glass beads will run $35-$50. There really is no substitute.
And then you'll need an air compressor too.

[FigureLLC]

why no substitute for glass beads in this application? so glass beads are good for anodizing, but bad for powder?