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Aluminum Anodizing Workshop at Milwaukee Makerspace
What is anodizing?
Anodizing is a type of surface treatment that can be done to certain metals like aluminum and titanium. Using an electrical source and a sulfuric acid bath, a microscopic layer of oxide is 'grown' on the surface of the metal.
With aluminum, this oxide layer not only provides abrasion resistance, but the layer can be colored with a vast array of dyes and masking techniques.
Once the dye is sealed into the oxide layer, the coloration becomes highly resistant to solvents and harsh environments, making this a very durable way to finish aluminum.
Using surface treatments like polishing, hammering, mill rolling, sandblasting, and etching in conjunction with anodizing provides an almost endless array of potential effects.
Syllabus
Interested? The class will consist of:
A brief lecture describing the process and showing samples of what effects can be created and the techniques use to achieve them, then we'll head to the workshop and get our hands dirty with:
Etching, hammering, and other surface finishes to apply before anodizing
How to properly prepare your parts for anodizing with the cleaning and etch baths
Using the anodizing bath itself (safety first!)
Rinsing and dyeing parts
Sealing parts after dyeing
How to use masking and bleaching to selectively color the metal
Playtime - once you see how the process works, and how different effects are created, you'll be eager to begin experimenting and develop your own techniques: “There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.” – Bob Ross
Details
Instructor: Artist, maker, professor, and longtime friend of the Milwaukee Makerspace, Frankie Flood
Date: Saturday, 16 NOV 2013, 10am-6pm
Cost: $15 per attendee, attendees must be makerspace members. Cost covers all supplies.
Attendees (maximum 20 students per session):
1) Have Blue (organizer) (paid)
2) Kathy Cannistra (paid)
3) Shane T.
4) Vishal (paid)
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7) Jim Kelly (paid)
8) Alexia
9) Kevin Crowley
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11) Matt W.
12) Tony (paid)
13) Linda S.
14) Pete (paid)
15) ladytek007
16) Eric Berna (tentative, need to confirm date)
17) Kevin (Bastyr?) (tentative, need to confirm date)
18)
19) Joe R.
20) Colleen W.
Students: What to bring to class
Required
Suggested
Optional
Potential future classes
People interested in a second session (date to be determined, suggestions welcome):