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DIY anodizing power supply

Discussion in 'Other Builds' started by Robert Hummel, Jan 19, 2015.

  1. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Robert Hummel published a new build:

    Read more about this build...
     
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  2. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    This is going to be so cool Robert!
    Great idea for a build looking forward to it :thumbsup:
     
  3. Hytech2k

    Hytech2k Veteran
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    Talk about great timing !! I was just getting ready to start looking to purchase a power supply to anodize some aluminum... Thanks for sharing !!
     
    #3 Hytech2k, Jan 19, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2015
  4. bobt

    bobt Well-Known
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  5. andrew

    andrew New
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    Neat! I did some small parts a while back using my bench-top supply (CC/CV) and RIT brand clothing dye. Worked pretty well. You can get the sulfuric acid from your local auto parts store.
     
  6. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    I'm having an issue finding the correct solution ratios :banghead:
     
  7. Tweakie

    Tweakie OpenBuilds Team
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    Hi Robert,


    If it’s any help this information has been taken from my working notes…

    Clean at 140 deg.F

    Etch – Caustic Soda 10 to 30 seconds

    De-smut 1 to 3 minutes

    Anodize at 68 to 73 deg.F at 3 to 12 Amps per sq. foot

    Dye at 140 deg.F for 15 sec. to 15 min.

    Seal at 180 deg.F in Nickel Acetate for 20 min.

    Sulfuric acid 15% to 25% concentration.

    Lead cathode 3 times surface area of product

    Duration 12 Amp hours per sq. foot of product (max.)


    Tweakie.


    It goes without saying but please take due care with chemicals and fumes. :thumbsup:
     
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  8. Hytech2k

    Hytech2k Veteran
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    This may help some, from what I understand the acid is a dilution of battery acid (35%) with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio, amps is based on the 720 anodizing rule that goes by surface area to be anodized. Here is a calculator for figuring amps...

    http://ndhsubmersiblescience.com/ano/720rule.html

    Here is a video of a fellow anodizing his knife scales, pretty informative and his scales come out awesome...

     
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  9. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Well here you have it my first anodized part, it's just a test part as I'm going to have to play with my time ratios :)
    image.jpg
    I would say not to bad for the first attempt :p
     
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  10. Hytech2k

    Hytech2k Veteran
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    Very nice !! Looks great !!
     
  11. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
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    SHOWCASE!!! :thumbsup:
     
  12. Serge E.

    Serge E. Journeyman
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    Looks great indeed :thumbsup:
     
  13. Jestah

    Jestah Well-Known
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    very cool ! well done!
     
  14. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Just a note to anyone wanting to buy caswell dyes.
    I signed up to their site and then added two colors of dye to my cart, but didn't process the order.
    The reason, I found a local supply :)
    So after two days I got an e-mail saying that if I continued with my order I would get 5% discount :rolleyes:
    Didn't need them so disregarded the e-mail.
    Then 2 more days went by and bingo another e-mail, this time offering 10% off if I ordered in the next three days because they valued my biz :eek:

    So in short, if you want dye and can wait a few days before ordering.
    Give it a try 10% off is better then nothing ;)
     
  15. Nick W

    Nick W Well-Known
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    Amazon does similar things. If you want something and can wait for it, put it in your cart. Sometimes there is an offer for just what you were looking for in your email after some time. I have gotten into the habit of adding lots of stuff to my cart in case they are motivated to convert me into a sale. Smart retailers know the cost of conversion and know that in your case, losing 10% is much cheaper then advertising for another customer. You are well into their conversion funnel. Wonder when they will send you a 15% off coupon. :cool:
     
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  16. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    I will have no need for their products :)
    I like finding local supply's as it helps me create face to face relations and gets me first hand advise ;)
    Prime example was when I asked about getting my hands on lead plate, the guys eyes just about fell out of his head and it followed with a, Are you crazy? Titanium is what you need, lead will kill your acid bath and contaminate the solution.
    You don't want to know what he said about people using aluminum.
    It's a good way to break in a new bath solution because the aluminum disintegrates fast adding that little bit of aluminum oxide into the bath solution helping the process.
    Then use Titanium plate or even better mesh in the bath.
    It will last a very long time and provide better results :)

    I will defiantly contribute my first anodizing success to his know how ;)
     
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  17. Hytech2k

    Hytech2k Veteran
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    Did not know that about the titanium, every video I watched they used aluminum plates. Titanium was using in the anodizing process for titanium though. Great info Robert !!

    Thanks !
     
  18. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    And that is why so many fail at it ;)
     
  19. Hytech2k

    Hytech2k Veteran
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    I'm not sure as i'd go as far as say they failed, a few of these fellows have been anodizing for quite some time doing thousands of parts. Take for instance JohnGrimsmo or TacticalKeychains, I don't really agree with the way they have their setups, but the results speak for themselves. Maybe using titanium is a better way or lasts longer, it definitely is more expensive. More than one way to skin a cat... :)
     
  20. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Yes indeed ;)
    That statement was bold!
    I am liking it myself that's for sure, the results from Lead to Titanium for me where night and day

    Now it's a matter of learning the dyes and controlled PH levels ;)
    Amazing what 10 secs makes lol
     
  21. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Here is a shot of part 1 of four for a little build and test in my system ;)
    image.jpg
     
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  22. Hytech2k

    Hytech2k Veteran
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    Dye sure comes out nice... Good deep color !!
     
  23. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    That was 90 seconds in the dye @ 140F :thumbsup:
    pre finish is key
     
  24. Hytech2k

    Hytech2k Veteran
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    Are you rinsing with distilled water and using something for degreasing/desmut??
     
  25. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Yes and yes ;)
    The water I wash and boil in along with mix my degreaser with is all distilled water from the grocery store,
    0 PH 0 minerals
    $1.39 for 4L jug
    Each has its on container
    I'm out with the boy right now but will post my process in due time maybe even a time laps video ;)
     
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  26. Jason Farley

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    I used to carry truck loads of aluminum parts to our coating vendor to be anodized. Tens of thousands of parts over the years all done with aluminum, not an inch of titanium in the building. Parts were beautiful and exceeded mil spec requirements for our customer.

    Might have some advantages for the home shop anodizing process but it is certainly not necessary.
     
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  27. Hytech2k

    Hytech2k Veteran
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    Great, thanks Robert !
     
  28. Serge E.

    Serge E. Journeyman
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    Cool and noted ... I've seen some sites (there is a R/C parts vendor for example) throw a popup offering a discount if you just sit a few minutes on a product page. All good things come to those who wait, so the saying goes.
     
  29. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Great project Robert looking forward to making one of these! :thumbsup:
     
  30. Dieselguy

    Dieselguy New
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    Where do I find the actual build? All I get is links that say "read more about this build", but nothing with any description, just the 4 photos
     
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