Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianG
Can this method be used to harden the surface of aluminum? Anodizing is great and all, but too much work.  |
Aluminum will melt under low heat and the process works differently. I have a guy local that can do hard anodizing of 6061 or 7075 for $100.00 a batch, which is however much he can fit into a large basket. I had a bunch of 7075 machine parts done and the averaged about 6" diameter, 2" thick and there were about 20 pieces total and that didn't near fill his basket so the price is pretty cheap. He can also standard anodize any color you want, same price. The hard anodizing penetrated several hundredths of an inch so it is a good process, very strong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Serum
I thought Si and Mg is used to get a harder grade of aluminum.
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That is correct although I can't remember the percentages.
It's better to use a tool steel when hardening and preferably D2/A2 or similar. You will get a much better result on the rockford and less brittle material. I would still recommend having it done professionally over DIY as the process is much different.