Anodizing

Last week several of the students conducted a lab to anodize some aluminum parts.

The process involved a degreasing bath at 150°+ for 5 minutes. Then, the parts were rinsed and dipped in a de-oxidizing tub at 110° for 3 minutes. This prepped the aluminum parts to successfully accept the anodizing process. Next, the aluminum parts were connected to the positive lead of a 3 amp source and dunked in 70° acid/water tank for 2 hours. Now the parts had an oxidation layer on them, with a honeycomb structure, which was quickly dunked in a dye tank for 15 minutes at 140°. The dye leeched into the "porous" oxidation layer, before a quick transfer to 210° bath of chemical to seal the pores shut. This finalized the anodizing process and helped to keep the color in. Lastly, the parts were rubbed with a mineral oil and set out to cool and dry.

The parts below are aluminum pieces off of a Honda dirt bike, anodized and dyed red.