Oh… this is so so sweet! Our anodization line is finally up and running!
There’s still a few mechanical issues to be sorted out with the lids to make things more convienant. Things like no handles on the lids means we have to worry about the cloud of hot gas building up inside the tank as we lift them out of the way. And their overhanging design means condensation drips everywhere, but I’m anodizing our very first part now.
Here’s a little tour:
Cool! My son (10 yrs) finds this fascinating and is very interested in what each step does and why the color doesn’t rub off.
I’m 69 and find it fascinating. Lol. It’s great to hear young minds are still interested in such things.
I definitely need to work on my process. Those threaded holes that are not “thru” should likely get plugged during the anodization process to prevent that streaking.
The bottom flat side where there is machining marks, that couldn’t be removed with bead blasting should likely go through additional processing maybe. I’ll have to research how to remove or dampen those machining marks prior to bead blasting.
Maybe even switching to a larger bead might help make it not have such a matte finish. I’m currently using #13 glass beads: Amazon.com: #13 Glass Beads - 8 lb or 3.6 kg - Blasting Abrasive Media (Fine) 220-240 Mesh or Grit - Spec No 13 for Blast Cabinets Or Sand Blasting Guns - Small Beads for Cleaning and Finishing : Tools & Home Improvement
You should feel really proud of the first trial! Minor tweaks to the process for continuous improvements are always part of new manufacturing processes, but anodization is not easy so you should be really proud of getting the system up and running and achieving a great first milestone! Cheers to anodized parts!
I am… so happy with it. My wife noticed that whenever i design or make something new i tend to fiddle with it for a few days as a fidget toy as my brain thinks through all the aspects of it and how i can improve it.
I’ve had this in-hand since yesterday when it came off the line… LOL.
