End Notes:
It is important to realize that the process described above will yield only one co lor on your part. At this time, I haven't found out how to do any of the splash type of anodizing. (That's okay though, it looks really ugly anyways.) =) Should anyone happen to figure it out, I suggest you submit it to Warpig so they can put it up for ot hers who like it. \par Also, this process is for aluminum. I don't know how, or if, it will work on other metals. (I doubt it.) Anodizing only works well on rock metal like bar or sheet stock, as opposed to castings. If it was forged or machined, it should have the density to take color through this process. I figure this shouldn't be too big a problem with the guns, but just thought I should let you know about it.
Something to consider when looking for a charger, is how many amperes it puts out. Without getting into any mumbo-jumbo, anodizing relies on 10 to 40 amperes per square foot. For small brackets and such, this is no problem. The larger parts in a gun however, may need the higher levels of amperes. The other note about part size, has to do with how lon g you leave it in the solution. Above it said 10-15 minutes, but that is for a smaller part. The larger parts may not only need higher amperes, but more time as well. I would recommend an ohmmeter, but again, I have one already.
So there you have it. Quick , fairly easy, and not too expensive. If you don't have the charger, then your first anodizing session could cost as much as sending your gun out to be done. But, then you can do it again for much less. Or do your buddies stuff. Or talk them into chipping in on a setup for all of you to use. We all know ways to help make things cheaper.
The Author will accept no responsibility from damages or injuries as a direct or indirect result of attempting this procedure. The only person liable is you, so be careful and think!
Hard Anodizing Aluminum
Yes, regular anodizing makes the surface harder while preserving the normal hardness of the material just under the surface. It is also a very thin coating or "shell" (.0002" to .0008" if colored). Hard Anodizing results in a thicker surface shell of oxidized Aluminunm (.001) and unfortunately can't be colored. But the surface hardness can range up to Rockwell 65C!! But the technique for Hard Anodizing aluminum is similar. To hard anodize aluminum, follow the above instructions but lower the temperature of the water/electrolyte mixture to near the freezing point of water (0 degrees C or 32 degrees F). Also, the input voltage must be increased to 75 volts (DC) or less, depending on the desired hardness. There was no specific data given, so you will have to experiment some. Maximum voltage will result in maximum surface hardness, but you are on your own for the rest.
If you don't have a battery charger, buy one! Or if you are really cheap, AutoZone will "rent" one to you if you keep your reciept. Visit your local AutoZone for more info.
[url]http://homepages.udayton.edu/~jacobsnj/anodize.htm[/url]