Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by assistant
Welcome all metal craft enthusiasts! Maybe you often hear about aluminum alloy anodizing and black oxidation. But chances are you’ve rarely heard of titanium anodizing. As professional oxidation service providers, in this article, we will take you deep into the fascinating world of anodized titanium.
Before getting into the anodizing of titanium metal, it is necessary to first understand the principles of the anodizing process of titanium metal. In this process, we generally use titanium metal or titanium alloy as the anode, and another piece of metal (such as copper, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, etc.) as the cathode, coupled with the corresponding electrolyte, using electrochemistry. The principle is to promote titanium An oxidation reaction occurs on the alloy surface, forming an oxide film. This oxide film is an ideal decorative layer and wear-resistant layer, which can protect the metal surface well. The following is the detailed process.
Step 1: Prepare the Canvas
Before you begin, it is crucial to properly prepare your titanium surface. Start by cleaning with a mild cleanser (e.g. sanding with different grit sandpaper, rubbing with alcohol, washing) to remove any impurities, oil, or fingerprints. Rinse titanium thoroughly and use a lint-free cloth to ensure a clean, blemish-free surface.
Step 2: Preparation – Anodizing Tank
The anodizing tank is an essential container for the oxidation reaction. Electrolyte solutions usually consist of water and a specific mixture of chemicals. This solution will play a vital role in creating the desired color. If you’re interested, feel free to experiment with different electrolyte ingredients to unleash your creativity. Then fully immerse the titanium piece in the bath, making sure it is connected to the positive terminal.
Step Three: The Power of Electricity
Generally speaking, the key to determining the color of titanium alloys during anodization is directly related to the voltage applied by the power supply. Different voltages will produce metal oxide films of different colors.
So to enhance this transformation, we usually introduce electricity. Connect the negative terminal of the power supply to the titanium piece to form a circuit. When electricity flows, amazing changes occur. Titanium’s oxide layer thickens, and its refractive properties interact with light to produce stunning colors. Adjust the voltage and processing duration to obtain the desired hue, paying close attention to the transitions.
Step Four: Release the Color
This is the critical moment! As the anodizing process unfolds, prepare to witness an array of captivating colors on titanium canvas. From vibrant blues and greens to fiery purples and pinks, the possibilities are endless. Pay attention to the transformation and adjust the voltage accordingly to achieve the desired hue. Remember, practice and experimentation are the keys to mastering this art.
Step Five: Maintain the Shine
Once you have the desired color, it’s time to protect and seal the shine of your anodized titanium piece. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove residual electrolytes. It is then immersed in a boiling water bath or coated with a specialized sealant to protect the fragile oxide layer. This important step ensures that your masterpiece remains vibrant and resistant to corrosion.
The following is the color change of titanium alloy under different voltage conditions. It’s worth noting that the colors in the photos are somewhat different from the real colors. Due to the built-in filter function of the camera, the photos taken will be slightly lighter. Colors appear much brighter and more vivid to the naked eye.
9V voltage – gray copper color
18V Voltage – Bronze
27V voltage-blue
36V voltage – light blue with a slight green accent
45V voltage – a little yellow
54V voltage – golden yellow
63V voltage – darker golden color
72V voltage – purple
81V voltage-dark blue
90V voltage-green
99V voltage-Lake green
108V voltage – very light green
117V voltage-pink
Final summary
If you are reading this right now, congratulations, you have embarked on the fascinating journey of anodized titanium. Just as titanium undergoes a radiative transformation through anodization, so too can we rise to life’s challenges and become stronger and more energetic. So go ahead, embrace the transformative power of anodizing, and let your creations make a lasting impact on the world.
Remember, anodizing titanium requires patience, and just as you find the right CNC machining services manufacturer to produce your project, a professional level of production will result in quality parts. Today, you are lucky, you have discovered the Ruitai platform, and reading this article is also a kind of fate. Therefore, if you need sheet metal processing or other oxidation projects, you can contact us at any time and we will provide you with a free quotation service. Let’s work together to make your design project a reality.