Custom anodizing is a process in which a small number of parts are uniquely anodized in order to achieve application-specific characteristics, such as the level of hardness or a desired color. The reason it is typically done with a small number of parts is because it is so specifically-geared to one application, and not designed as a mass production open to a wide range of applications.
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Small-scale designers and artists can create custom anodized products in their own homes for items such as bicycle and paintball gun designs, both of which are widely popular. However, custom anodizing is not only for small businesses. This specialized anodizing process is also practiced by large companies in industries such as: marine, for the protection and decoration of the body of yachts, schooners and other boating vessels; medical, for the anodization of implants that must be uniquely fitted to the individual; commercial, for advertising applications such as custom signage; jewelry, for uniquely designed wedding bands, in which titanium anodizing is hugely popular; and electronics, for custom electronic enclosures such as I-phone casings and computer casings, which are often color anodized for optimum attractiveness. Another way in which custom anodizing can be unique is through the type of acidic solution that is used.
While there are two main types of acidic solutions used in anodizing processes, chromic acid and sulfuric acid, there are several less-used varieties of acid including organic acids, citric acid, boric acid and phosphoric acid. Also, there are a variety of metals to work with. Even though aluminum is the most commonly anodized metal, particularly in the industrial manufacturing industry, there are a wide range of metals, such as zing, magnesium and tantalum that can also be anodized. While mass-produced batches of anodizing are typically done using the bath anodizing method, anodic painting is quite popular in custom anodizing since it is much more practical to perform on a small number of parts than it would be for a large number. In anodic painting, there is a power supply used to provide an electrical current, generally a direct current, which has both an anode lead and a cathode output attached. In addition to being attached to the power supply, the anode lead is also attached to the metal, and the cathode output is attached to the metal ferrule of a paint brush, of which the tip has been dipped in an acidic solution. The anodizing process begins when the power supply is turned on and the metal ferrule touches the surface of the metal.
