52754

Coil anodizing needed - unless you've got a better route. [California] 

July 31, 2009

Hello Everyone,

I've got a situation where coil anodizing (reel to real, continuous tape, etc.) seems to be the proper solution, and I'm looking for a job shop that can help me out.

Our ultimate goal is to use anodize to act as a non-conductive barrier on the inside of a part that is roughly shaped like a funnel. The part itself is about 1/2 inch by a 1/4 inch and the aluminum is similar to a heavy foil - 0.004" thick. The anodize that we are looking for would be a standard Type II class 2, preferably dyed gold using FAO and sealed in nickel acetate.

The alloy hasnıt been decided on yet, and we would be absolutely open to suggestions (not being overly knowledgeable about coil anodizing, Iım not sure which alloys do the best in terms of being able to shape or bend slightly AFTER anodizing &endash; which always trips me out).

Being a huge proponent of bulk anodizing, I thought about going that route - but the parts are just too thin to live up to the conditions. So, in the interest of trying to find the next cheapest alternative, we are now thinking about going with coil anodizing and following one of two paths:

1) shape the part but leave it on a 1 inch wide tape (four abreast) (ultimate length to be determined, unimportant to needs - could be anything from a few feet up to hundreds of yards. Open to suggestions.), anodize it, punch it out for use.

or

2) get the tape anodized, then shape and punch (I'm betting this option wouldn't work - I think that the stretching of the metal would cause the anodize to crack too much to be of use).

Of course, like I indicated in the header, I'm also completely open to suggestions. The primary goal is to have the inside be non-conductive, the outside be pleasant visually (it will be visible to the end user), and the coating to be CHEAP per piece.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or quotes?

Thanks - Jim

Jim Gorsich
Electronics Manufacturer - San Diego, CA, USA