I just joined today. With the COV19 virus, by work is trying to do more work in-house including a Type III anodizing setup for small parts (no dimension greater than 4 inches). I just bought the Type III anodizing kit and I was wondering what others have done to set up their cooling system. A few ideas.
Option 1: Use an aquarium chiller
Option 2: Use an industrial chiller with separate titanium coil immersed in anodizing tank
If you have used an aquarium/hydroponics chiller, please share the make and model. I am having a hard time finding one that allows the temperature to be set down to 37F. Also, what size did you use… 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, HP etc?
If you went with the cooling coil, what diameter / length / material tubing did you use for your coil? I’m looking at this 1/2” 5 ft length of titanium tube from McMaster: https://www.mcmaster.com/89835k631
If you have any other tips, advice, or thoughts, please share.
Option 1: Use an aquarium chiller
Pros
- [*=1]Agitates and cools (be careful, some units don’t have pumps). [*=1]Lower cost.
Cons
- [*=1]Typically runs the fluid through a stainless-steel reservoir with a copper cooling coil. Some on the forum discourage having these metals immersed in your anodizing solution. [*=1]Not really designed for anodizing solution. [*=1]Additional maintenance since flushing the system after use is recommended. [*=1]None of the common ones seem to advertise their minimum temp set-point so not sure if I can get it down to 37F.
Option 2: Use an industrial chiller with separate titanium coil immersed in anodizing tank
Pros
- [*=1]No anodizing solution running though the chiller. [*=1]No issues with titanium coil in the anodizing tank. [*=1]No flushing required since the cooling loop is closed. [*=1]Some shops already have an industrial cooler (ours included) for their laser cutter.
Cons
- [*=1]Titanium coil is added expense. [*=1]Probably not as efficient since you’re adding an extra heat-exchanger step in the cooling process. [*=1]Requires a separate pump for agitation.
If you have used an aquarium/hydroponics chiller, please share the make and model. I am having a hard time finding one that allows the temperature to be set down to 37F. Also, what size did you use… 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, HP etc?
If you went with the cooling coil, what diameter / length / material tubing did you use for your coil? I’m looking at this 1/2” 5 ft length of titanium tube from McMaster: https://www.mcmaster.com/89835k631
If you have any other tips, advice, or thoughts, please share.
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