Anodizing

[Muffin]

Anodizing, or anodising, is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. Anodizing increases corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and provides better adhesion for paint primers and glues than bare metal. Anodic films can also be used for a number of cosmetic effects, either with thick porous coatings that can absorb dyes or with thin transparent coatings that add interference effects to reflected light. Anodizing is also used to prevent galling of threaded components and to make dielectric films for electrolytic capacitors. Anodic films are most commonly applied to protect aluminium alloys, although processes also exist for titanium, zinc, magnesium, and niobium.

I mention this to you because my brother and I have invested in an anodizing workshop. Well, its mainly him, yet I'm giving him a hand in this. To break it down to you, anodizing is an acid burning effect with dye, that literally sinks into aluminum. This process not only strengthens the metal, but also converts it to any color you desire(excluding white).

First the object is stripped of any paint or other previous ano applied to the surface(metal bodies come pre ano'd black). Upon doing this the item then goes through a 'de-smutting' stage cleaning the surface of any impurities. Once the item is deemed clean, it is then submerged in the desired color of dye. It then soaks for a specific amount of time until the desired shade has been reached. It then soaks yet again in the sealant and Voila! You have an extremely durable, long lasting, ultimate quality coloring job. This will not chip, flake or wear anywhere near as easily as paint.

We are only in the beginning stages and are still experimenting, also building a website in hopes to offer this service to airsoft and paintball players alike. We are trying different color patterns and am hoping to branch into various camo patterns as well. Although that may take some time due to the fact it takes a very specific masking technique.
Another factor that we are working on is a polishing stage. This allows us to create not only any color in a gloss or matte finish, but also a chrome or gold.

We are experimenting on a number of paintball parts and other various aluminum samples. Once we have enough done with different styles and such, pictures will be posted as well. We are unsure of prices right now, but once we have figured the logistics of it, it will be posted.

[the_griffinator]

Oh man, thats awesome. I wish you luck, and you can expect business from me once I get my Hi-capa controls picked out.

[JoeFriday]

If you can chrome or gold plate aluminum, I have LOTS of buisness for you. And regular anodizing too! Can't wait.

[Ronan]

I need to get a steel 16" barrel reanodized. What kind of pricing are we talking about? For my barrel i'm getting in the +100 in shops here.

[Shirley]

Cool, now people can have gold AKs just like in them pictures.

When I have a GBB, anodizing is the way to go. heh

[L473ncy]

Don't you WANT to let aluminum oxidize? I remember that being the only metal that actually gets stronger when you oxidize it.

Anyways I'd like to check it out, what colours do you guys do as of now? Any future plans to get wacky "tye-dye" (or something that's super unique) patterns?

Can't you just put masking tape over the parts you don't want to anodize? or do you need some other special stuff? I remember in shop we had this acid bath for PCB's but I don't think it's related at all to the anodizing process.

EDIT: Crap I was thinking of reducing NOT oxidizing, that chem class is ruining my life....

[Muffin]

Ano requires a certain form of masking, its actually liquid mask. At the moment we don't have any in but are working on it. It will be awhile until we've got all the bugs worked seeing as we've only begun the first stages of this project. We're also working on color mixing to get specific colors, It would be nice to get actual color matches for cadpat or multicam patterns.
Yet again, once I know anything further, I'll be sure to keep all of you updated.

[Muffin]

Alright here is the first attempt at chrome. The barrel was originally a gloss black.

It turned out quite well and its a quality finish.
My brother emailed me some pricing, the pricing is for paintball guns and we are going to figure out pricing for airsoft parts asap.
An example for paintball pricing:
$60 for parts anno
$110 for complete gun 1 color
$140 for complete gun 2 colors(parts/body)
$150 for complete gun acid wash

[Shirley]

Sweet! This is going to be great.

[Lakonian]

BOOM. I am effin' down for this. My KJW capa will need some re doing...

Do you also do engraving? Or do you plan on starting?

[Muffin]

Sorry engraving will not be provided by us, I djbordie does or did, I'm not totally sure on that one.
However, if djbordie is still in the engraving business, and you desire engraving once your item is anno'd, we can simply ship it to him once its out of our hands.

[Lakonian]

Originally Posted by Muffin

Sorry engraving will not be provided by us, I djbordie does or did, I'm not totally sure on that one.
However, if djbordie is still in the engraving business, and you desire engraving once your item is anno'd, we can simply ship it to him once its out of our hands.

Awesome!

Can you fill imperfections, and anodize over it? Like a "made in taiwan" stamp?

[MadMax]

If you're already got the facilities to handle the chemicals, maybe you could consider offering other services like gun bluing, nickel and gold plating:

http://www.caswellplating.com/

I've used some of their kits. They're pretty good for lower volume work.

[Wrath144]

You're Sherry's bro? I know him from paintball.

[Muffin]

Can you fill imperfections, and anodize over it? Like a "made in taiwan" stamp?

No unforunately we will only be speciallizing in anno

If you're already got the facilities to handle the chemicals, maybe you could consider offering other services like gun bluing, nickel and gold plating

Well, like I've stated, we are only starting out in this, but who knows, we just might take on other projects of the sort.

You're Sherry's bro? I know him from paintball

Yes, Sheridan is my younger brother.