StarReloaders.com Discussion Forum
Star Reloaders Discussion Forums => Star Reloaders => Topic started by: askimball (Doc) on March 03, 2011, 08:54:41 pm
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Some of the Aluminum Powder Measures were Colored Gold and some Colored Red... ::)
How does one color aluminum like those ??? ???
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Last time that I checked they called it anodized aluminum.
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OK,
How do you anodize aluminum..??
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Anodizing, or anodising in British English, is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. The process is called "anodizing" because the part to be treated forms the anode electrode of an electrical circuit. Anodizing increases corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and provides better adhesion for paint primers and glues than bare metal. Anodic films can also be used for a number of cosmetic effects, either with thick porous coatings that can absorb dyes or with thin transparent coatings that add interference effects to reflected light. Anodizing is also used to prevent galling of threaded components and to make dielectric films for electrolytic capacitors. Anodic films are most commonly applied to protect aluminium alloys, although processes also exist for titanium, zinc, magnesium, niobium, and tantalum. This process is not a useful treatment for iron or carbon steel because these metals exfoliate when oxidized; i.e., the iron oxide (also known as rust) forms by pits and flakes, these flakes both fall off as well as trap oxygen-bearing moisture, constantly exposing the underlying metal to corrosion.
Anodization changes the microscopic texture of the surface and changes the crystal structure of the metal near the surface. Thick coatings are normally porous, so a sealing process is often needed to achieve corrosion resistance. Anodized aluminium surfaces, for example, are harder than aluminium but have low to moderate wear resistance that can be improved with increasing thickness or by applying suitable sealing substances. Anodic films are generally much stronger and more adherent than most types of paint and metal plating, but also more brittle. This makes them less likely to crack and peel from aging and wear, but more susceptible to cracking from thermal stress.
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And,,, anodizing is done in a sulfuric acid bath. The oxide coating is initially very porous. When it is in this state it can absorb dies such as the red and gold of some Star powder magazines, but also black and many other colors. The final step is a hot water bath that seals the oxide coating and makes it hard and corrosion resistant.
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So, In other words, leave the aluminum tube in its original state..
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YES