ANODIZING MULTIPLE COLORS 1

[valmeidan]

Ok so i have a plate, 6061-t6 aluminum about 1/4 thick, it is machined, and you can see in the model, there are paths about 1mm deep that are different colors. I want to achieve a cool blue polished look on the valleys you can see in the image, and a metallic chrome look on the center line in between the valleys and a gloss black on the rest of the top surface including the hole, can this be done using MIL-A-8625, TYPE II, CLASS 2 bright dip anodizing my masking, or what would be the best way to accomplish this? I cannot show all the part but its about 14" across and about 6" tall and like I said about 1/4" thick 6061

 

[mcgyvr]

Should be doable.. Ask your plater to be sure..
Its not going to be cheap due to all the masking/3 processes..

 

[valmeidan]

also how would you spec a gloss anodize like that, i read about bright dip but I have never heard of it before

 

[tbuelna]

You can anodize the surfaces in different colors using masking, but the MIL-A-8625 type II class 2 anodize will not be what I would consider "gloss" or "polished". It will be more of a matte finish. Plus, the boundaries between the different colors will likely be a bit irregular due to the difficulty in precisely applying the masking material, which is usually an aluminum foil adhesive tape.

 

[valmeidan]

so whats the best way to spec this or shold it even be anodized? maybe painted with masking to achieve gloss? Here is some anodized parts that are very glossy, as I mentioned I have heard of bright dip, not sure how they do this?

https://wickwerks.com/anodize/

 

[mcgyvr]

"bright dipping" is a process performed prior to anodizing that will give you your desired results..

Again.. talk to your supplier to see how they would like to specify it..

We ALWAYS discuss our needs and show sample pieces of what we expect from the anodizing specification we put on drawings.
Anodizing is "standardized" to a point but that does NOT mean you are going to get the exact same look (or even close sometimes) from company to company or even day to day..
Thats why you need to talk to them and tell/show them what you expect.. Then they will take it from there..

 

[valmeidan]

Thanks guys