Thought I would try out anodizing some of my titanium EDC kit.
It is a very simple process.
I used a USB DC-DC variable boost converter step-up voltage regulator, bicarbonate of soda in some water, some 24AWG silicone wire, cottonbuds and a cheap 5v powerbank.
I found 19v works well for a nice purple/ slight golden hue colour.
It is best to get set up then test on a scrap piece of titanium or start at the lowest voltage and increase gradually through the range to the desired colour, you can go forward but can't go back in colour as it were.
Connect a DMM to the leads and adjust the variable pot to the desired voltage or test afterwards to remember the colour effect for the given voltage.
Connect the positive lead to the titanium piece, wrap the negative wire around the water & bicarbonate of soda solution wetted cottonbud head and paint away. Careful of shorting the leads though ;)
There are other methods using different chemicals, or more dangerous ways like heat or entropic anodizing but this was a cheap quick safe way to try it.
The ano will scratch up eventually with most of this stuff sharing a pocket rubbing up with each other but we'll see how it goes.
Relative thickness & durability of the anodizing colours:
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Click on for more images.
CRX Utility Keyring - CRX CuTi Atom, Ti Hobi+ 365nm UV & Petrol Lighter, Ti Pen & Toothpick, CuTi 1.6W 450nm Laser.
CRX CuTi 18350 1A Pocket Charger.
CRX Utility Titanium Magnetic Extendable Keyring Pen.
DQG Hobi Ti+365nm UV & Petrol Lighter - 10280 - Twisty Sw - Rechargeable.
CRX Utility Titanium Magnetic Extendable Keyring Toothpick.
War Armor Titanium Titanium Lighter.
The grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V was harder to colour, probably due to the higher Al, V alloy composition.
CRX CuTi Blue Laser Osram PLTB450B 450nm 1600mW - OFBD 1.6A - 10280 - Momentary Tail Sw - 1600mW.
CRX CuTi Atom Triple Nichia 219C 5000K - Lexel TA Driver - 18350 - E-Tail Sw - 2200lm.
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CRX Utility Pocket Kit.
