Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Orange anodized parts are fading when heated in machine tool coolant
Q. Hi all,
First question here but have been reading for a while, impressed by the community feel and helpful comments.
Now I have a problem of my own and really could do with some pointers, here goes:
I have been cold anodizing a component in orange liquid dye; I have been getting a nice consistent colour and not had any problems until now. I have subjected my component to 60 degrees temperature in machine tool coolant and get a fading effect to the anodising. Wondered if this is because I am dyeing at room temperature? The part has been sealed, anodizing thickness of 25 microns.
- Gloucestershire, UK
July 17, 2012
A. There is a high probability that the dye you using is an organic dye and the coolant is dissolving it. Next, if the 60 is centigrade, then the temperature is accelerating the process.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
First of two simultaneous responses -- July 24, 2012
A. Hi Neil,
Has this problem only arisen once the parts were subjected to temperature?
It sounds as if you do not have a temperature stable dye, rather than anything specific you are doing wrong.
Another question: how are you sealing? Is this one of the cold sealers? I have found that, although they are as good as any high temperature sealers for improving corrosion resistant they are not great at fixing dyes.
Aerospace - Yeovil, Somerset, UK
Second of two simultaneous responses -- July 25, 2012
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