Titanium Anodizing

Titanium Anodizing and Color Chart
Several colors are available that titanium anodizing can be applied.

Titanium Anodize is produced by light refraction and interference of wavelengths.
The film thickness is very thin and can actually be polished out with a commercial Steel polish.
The anodized layer is durable though, it takes heavy polish and rubbing to remove.
Etching will also enhance color but dulls shine.

It's impossible for me to exact match other colored titanium or anodized aluminum.

Green Titanium Anodizing:
Green titanium anodizing is a special process and an additional charge applies.
The color is a high voltage (110-120v).
Green titanium can be very difficult and some larger parts will not achieve the color.
I have been asked about the process and sorry that I can't release many details.

Black Titanium Anodizing:
Black titanium is a special process and is not done in house.
Vacuum Deposition is the process used to coat the bolts.
Black titanium is very durable and will not fade or chip.

Red Titanium Anodizing:
There is no true red titanium.

Pink vs. Purple Titanium Anodizing:
There is some discrepancy on Pink and Purple Colors.
Purple is the color on the far left of the photo below. Purple is quite dark and when wet can look brown, which is the color with the lower voltage. Purple can also be difficult to make because it's a narrow voltage band. a few volts less and it's brown. A few more and its blue.
Pink is a high voltage color and is also a different process. It's not true pink and some customers will say its purple. This is not the case. In the store pink is also lavender.


From Left: Purple, Blue, Gold, Lavender, Green
Blue Titanium Anodizing:
Blue is about the easiest color to make. I have a process that will make the color deeper though.
Dark and light is the only real difference. Lighter blue is also called "electric blue".

Gold Titanium Anodizing:
Gold is higher voltages. At the peak the color can swing into a nasty pinkish on it's way to pink. Therefore gold can only be so dark before this happens. We avoid this thru careful voltage control.

Gun Metal Grey:
I can produce this color and is a special process that is not voltage controlled.

Below are some photos of titanium colors that can be achieved:
Also, a brownish titanium can be produced
In Store Anodize (Titanium)
    I've been getting more requests to bring in ti to color. Recently knife owners have been coming in for this process.
    There will be a $10.00 charge for titanium anodize for non-purchased items. Green and Pink are $20.00 depending on the item(s). These 2 colors are much more difficult and I cannot guarantee on items other than what I have here.

Some notes on this:

1. There is a $10.00 fee.
2. The titanium MUST be totally grease and oil free.
3. The ti cannot be mounted to steel or any other metal.
4. Larger titanium stock has to be brush plated, color can vary a bit on this process and isnt totally steady. Please contact me on this.
5. I'm not charging per item but cannot be a crazy amount of items either.

Mailing in Titanium to Anodize:

I am accepting titanium to anodize for the same rates as above. Shipping return costs are not included.
Please contact Tom at Sales@torontocycles.com for more information and mailing instructions.

How do I know it's Titanium?
I have had a few customers that have brought me items to anodize and when I saw the item I told them it's not titanium. Of course they asked how do you know? I answered I just know which isn't really that helpful.
Here's a few tips on how to tell if it's ti and not aluminum,stainless or other metals.
1. Titanium is tough. It will not scratch that easy and aluminum will. Most aluminum you can scuff with you fingernail if pressed hard. 
2. Acid will not bother it as it's a non-reactive metal. 
3. Titanium will not stick to a magnet.
4. Titanium can dull and become grey which can make you think its steel. Most titanium will polish well.
5. Titanium will anodize 
6. Ti is half the weight of steel and a bit heavier than aluminum.
6. My own personal test is Smell. Ti will not smell like metal when rubbed. As I have found out by sorting bolts for hours there is no smell. All other base metals will smell. Work with steel tools for a while and you can smell the metal. rub coins or copper or even stainless and you can smell it on your fingers.

Hope this helps and if you have other tips please comment!



1 comment:

  1. This is the best and only Hardware You should use on Your Bike(s)!. The best thing You can do if you have any Stainless Steel Hardware on Your Bike, Is to remove it and throw it all away!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.