getting ready to anodize

[sigibbons]

i am beginning to learn how to anodize and i need some help.

what types of aluminium can be anodized, e.g. forged, cast, extruded?

what am i looking for in a battery charger that would be suitable for anodizing?

also how do i work out how long to leave the part anodizing for?

[mcaswell]

Most types of aluminum can be anodized. The purer grades of metal will give a better result. Silicon and manganese alloys tend to give bad results.

You want a 12V battery charger. The higher amp output the better, although you should not use a \"fast charge\" charger, as they are not designed for sustained output.

A 10amp battery charger will anodize items up to 100sq in. Anodizing requires 0.1 amps/sq in.

You may also use a 12V car battery, or if you plan on doing a lot of anodizing, you could purchase a rectifer. http://www.caswellplating.com/rect.htm

A 25amp rectifier will anodize a part up to 250sq in.

Anodize normally takes 7-10 minutes to form.

[sigibbons]

so if i were to use car batterys 12 v type how many would i need?

thanks, si

[sigibbons]

oh and also you say it takes 7-10 minutes.

i have read articals on the net saying you should leave it in there for like 65 mins.

i dont understand?

thanks very much, your help is much appreshiated

[sigibbons]

oh yeah also im going to be anodizing a motorcycle wheel rim (just the rim not the whole wheel)

so how many amp charger would i need for this or how many batterys ould i need?

thanks very much, si

[mcaswell]

>>so if i were to use car batterys 12 v type how many would i need?

Just one.

>>oh and also you say it takes 7-10 minutes. i have read articals on the net saying you should leave it in there for like 65 mins.

7-10 minutes grows an anodized layer. The longer you leave the part, the thicker the layer gets. 7-10 minutes will give a layer suitable for dying and for most other applications. Most articles on the net about anodizing are aimed at commercial applications for specialized alloys.

>>oh yeah also im going to be anodizing a motorcycle wheel rim (just the rim not the whole wheel)

You need to calculate an approximate surface area for your wheel, then use the formula of 0.1 amps/square inch to calculate how much power you\'ll need.

Example - you want to anodize a part that is 10 square inches in surface area. So, 10 x 0.1 = 1 amp. Therefore, you\'ll need a power source that puts out 1 amp for 7-10 minutes to anodize this.

You\'ll likely have to control your power source to reduce the power it gives out. These techniques are explained in our manual, which I would recommend you purchase and read if you want to know more. It\'s $25.00. See http://www.caswellplating.com/complete.htm