Anodized titanium scratching!

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k_ozdragon

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Feb 14, 2015
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Ok so I am anodizing titanium. Setup: hydrochloric acid 15% electrolyte, lead cathode, titanium contact wires, 9v batteries in series for power source.
I am doing a lot of blue colors. However when I finish, the coating scratches super easily and I don't understand why. I'm etching the metal first then immediately anodizing. I know the thicker the layer causes different colors, and layer thickness is determined by volts. However I was curious if the amps make a difference? If I used a power source instead of batteries, would that thicken the layer or make it tougher? Tutorials I've seen use power sources and always mention the amps evening out. Is there any other thing I should be doing to make the anodizing stronger? Right now it scratches so easily. Even if I carry the parts altogether briefly they will have a bunch of scratches. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Trying to learn how to do this properly so I can make a better living for myself customising knives in my area (not many people do services like this around here)
 
I use TSP(cheaper and safer) instead of acid, and a Ti cathode and Ti tweezers to hold the piece. Amps can't be pushed, only drawn, and anodizing small pieces doesn't draw much amperage.

Are you doing low voltage blues, or the higher voltage blues? Those lower voltage blue and purple are pretty, until you touch, breath on them or even look at them. Then they start to look nasty. I stopped using anything under 6 batteries and have been much happier with the results.
 
k_ozdragon said:
Ok so I am anodizing titanium. Setup: hydrochloric acid 15% electrolyte, lead cathode, titanium contact wires, 9v batteries in series for power source.
I am doing a lot of blue colors. However when I finish, the coating scratches super easily and I don't understand why. I'm etching the metal first then immediately anodizing. I know the thicker the layer causes different colors, and layer thickness is determined by volts. However I was curious if the amps make a difference? If I used a power source instead of batteries, would that thicken the layer or make it tougher? Tutorials I've seen use power sources and always mention the amps evening out. Is there any other thing I should be doing to make the anodizing stronger? Right now it scratches so easily. Even if I carry the parts altogether briefly they will have a bunch of scratches. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Trying to learn how to do this properly so I can make a better living for myself customising knives in my area (not many people do services like this around here)
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Try using TSP and a Ti Cathode like Atlas Knife Company suggested. I find that any non Ti in the Ano bath tends to pollute the water. You can get some Ti wire and a plate for a cathode from eBay relatively cheap. Next try dipping your freshly etched parts in a distilled water bath so you can remove any etching solution and not take it into the ano bath. What are you using for an etching solution?
 
2 things
the thinner the ano layer the faster it wares
the more polished the finish the less surface the ano "has to grab onto" bead blased or orange peeled finished "hold" the color better due to only the tops of the surface loose the color with abrasion
 
I've done a lot of electro anodizing. You can use baking soda its actually brings a little clearer color than tsp. I put an orange peel or eggshell texture before ano, it helps. Beadblast helps as well.
 
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