Surface treatment for Aluminium

[Scribealine]

Hello Everybody,

would anyone know of a suitable surface treatment for 6061 alloy aluminium
I can easild do at home, such as the TURCO treatment, it must be a treatment and not a paint or other coverage which increases the size of the component.
There are threads involved, so cant paint.

 

[erikverkade]

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe anodizing doesn't grow the material (or not much at least) and from what I have read it is quit doable at home.

 

[Herbiev]

One of these kits should do the trick
http://www.caswellplating.com/anodizing-products/anodizing-kits.html

 

[Scribealine]

Thank you Herbie,
I watched the video from the suppliers, the anodizing oxide actually grows out of the Aluminium, so the threads 1mm pitch x 80od
would not work on the matching component.

 

[michael-au]

If you make an aluminium part with a thread in it and screw your part to be anodised then the thread will be protected

Michael

 

[Vixen]

If you make an aluminium part with a thread in it and screw your part to be anodised then the thread will be protected

Michael

But make sure you use an aluminium bolt. If you use a steel bolt the anodising bath will be ruined

 

[michael-au]

But make sure you use an aluminium bolt. If you use a steel bolt the anodising bath will be ruined

Yes, Everything must be made from aluminium, including the wire it is hung into the bath on

Pure aluminium welding wire works well to hang the parts from

Michael

 

[michael-au]

View attachment ImageUploadedByModel Engines1463577650.763172.jpg

Here are 2 parts screwed on to an aluminium jig with aluminium welding wire to hang them in the acid bath

View attachment ImageUploadedByModel Engines1463577753.392049.jpg

This is the jig when the parts have been taken off, as you can see the thread has not been anodised

Michael

 

[Philipintexas]

I have parts manufactured and anodized. They have threaded holes (6 mm X 1.0) and there is no problem with the fit. The anodizing process removes a minute amount of metal and then adds it back but the net result doesn't affect threads and I'd be willing to bet can't be measured with our instruments.

Another process you could explore is CERAKOTE, it is a ceramic coating measured in Mils commonly used on guns. Not cheap but is available in DIY kits. Some requires curing at 350 degrees F.
It does not affect the tight fit necessary on moving parts or screws.

 

[dnalot]

Hi


I anodise all my aluminum parts. It looks good and toughens the surface. I have never found that it affects the fit of threads. Note anodising does not reach inside of small holes. It also insulates the part electrically, so you may need to bare some metal to connect grounding wire or spark plug seats in aluminum heads.

On another note; you can use titanium wire to hang your parts in the acid bath.

Mark T

 

[Scribealine]

Thank you everybody, what a great response.
Everyone has provided some valuable information, and lots to try and think about.
Cheers
Noel, North NSW Australia