just stumbled across some articles on the web that make this look much easier than I would have thought it to be. has anyone done this here successfully with the biggest part lets say a crank? any suggestions in terms of which fabric dye to use?
I have played with this a tiny bit, we use this system for small runs of parts at my family’s manufacturing company: http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/aluminum.htm
My thoughts… VERY messy, somewhat labor intensive and the results can be awesome, but a high percentage (for our manufacturing standards) of parts get ruined. There is also a good bit of waste, and it is hazardous and can’t just be poured down the drain.
On the other hand, when the parts come out good- its a pretty cool feeling. Personally, I prefer polished aluminum parts and powder coating everything else. Just me.
thanks, when you are saying ruined… means the actual metal got destroyed/ eaten or the surface finish didn’t come out as wanted?
the acid part is a little bit scary. In a very former life I worked in a car repair shop and dealing with battery acid was one the things that so often left my clothes holed like a strainer. nothing I would attempt in my nyc- kitchen sink…
Ruined in the sense they didn’t meet QC- uneven coloring (usually from poor current flow) or too dark/too light of color. Not bad, but if you have time and a few parts to mess with its very doable. I hope to play with it a bunch this winter- depending on what my winter “project” is- hopefully a motorcycle restoration.
If you are a true DIY’er- it’s pretty awesome. On the other hand, if you have a plating company nearby, sometimes you can get your parts stuck in with other small runs of the same color for a reasonable price. That way you know it’s being done right.
JMO
Just curious, what type of manufacturing does your business do?
Styrrell
Home anodizer:
.
and it comes in several colors too…
Racing go-kart parts. www.buller.net
Yeah, the sharpie method is cheaper, too.