120vAC

[fourkbmx]

i heard that the big anodizing companies dont use CC power source, instead they use 220 or 120 AC power source, is this true? can we use this too?

[acidrain]

They often use CV power sources, and anodize at around 15volts. They also use much stronger acids and ano for shorter periods of time because of the increased current. They also anodize known alloys.
It is possible to home ano using CV, but you have to know you're exact ano bath resistance and calculate out your individual requirements.
In order to do this (and large ano companies do this daily), you need to do what's called titration. It involves analyzing the bath PH using buffers, etc. to arrive at total acidic value, and dissolved aluminum. It's complicated.
If you have a CC PS, and you know the alloy, It's possible to create a graph of what your tank does at a given temperature and known alloy. You could then take that info and extrapolate out what voltages are being drawn at a given temperature and known alloy.
The bottom line is, you have to have a CC/CV power source, a way to control your temperature with 2F, and know the exact alloy you are anodizing.
If you have all that, then it is possible through some trial and error, BUT, don't come here looking for help. Caswell's LCD method is a proven home-method of anodizing, and they don't want to confuse beginners with anything other than their method.

[destroyer125]

I use CV anodizing instead of CC. I will not get into detail as caswell does not support the subject. If your an industrial place, its key to keep everything as consistant as possible. I have set times I run parts for at the same temperature every time and get consistant results im very happy with.

[Z]

Originally Posted by fourkbmx

i heard that the big anodizing companies dont use CC power source, instead they use 220 or 120 AC power source, is this true? can we use this too?

I run a mid size anodizing shop with a 1000 amp 15 v 3phase DC power supply but 15v is only good on the aluminum I work on. EX: 2024 needs 21 volts as 5052 only needs 14.5 volts. so yes most mid size to major shops use bigger power supply's and go more with voltage then amperage. Voltages vary by alloy ingredients

[acidrain]

Originally Posted by Z

I run a mid size anodizing shop with a 1000 amp 15 v 3phase DC power supply but 15v is only good on the aluminum I work on. EX: 2024 needs 21 volts as 5052 only needs 14.5 volts. so yes most mid size to major shops use bigger power supply's and go more with voltage then amperage. Voltages vary by alloy ingredients

Hi Z, nice to hear from one of the big boys...
If you don't mind me asking (if you know):
What current densities does that translate to?
What temperature do you run your tanks?
Can you get any of that good "non-etching" degreaser for us?

[Z]

I'm not too big, but bigger then you guys

current densities I'm not to sure. I pretty much learned and built this shop on my own with help from "Aluminum HOW TO" book.

I run my ano tank at a high temp usually 74-75F to achieve a darker shade of black since I mainly do black.

cleaner: 135 F
etch tank: 133 F
desmut/deox: room temp
ano tank: 74-75 F
black dye tank: 130-140 F other dye tanks: room temp
sealer: 170-180 F

I could get that good stuff...

[Z]

15%/wt at 72 F with the recommended voltage like 14.5 for 5052 will have 12 amps per square foot.

[acidrain]

Good stuff

[fourkbmx]

were can i buy that book, i think it would be very useful.

[Empire03]

Saw that he didn't heat other color dyes.What is the negative side effect to that?