Annodizing an alum tank

[TheAlphaMag]

Would it be safe/would it work? I know theres tons of different aluminum alloys, but would the industry standard tank hold up to an anno?

In the paintball world, we get our markers (which are almost always made of aluminum) annodized with stuff like designer paterns (louie vatton, gucci, etc), and different graphics and stuff.

I thought it might be cool to have something like that done on a tank.

 

[jeffreyd]

http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize99.html <- a link on anodizing

I believe it would work, however getting the facilities to do something on the scale of a scuba tank would probably cost more than the tank itself. Not to mention the possiblity of degrading the tank (anodizing builds a "rust" layer in which the color is implanted).

Paintball guns are a conversation piece, similar to a decked out car, but scuba tanks usually are not. If you talk to a diver they will probably talk more about what kind, size, age, and the finish will probably be nicked and worn as they have used the tank as much as they can.

The easiest method to make your tank "unique" would be one of these.
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=TankHyde



Jeffrey D.

 

[Darin]

Anodizing usually requires heat. The "official" specs say that if a tank is exposed to anything above 180 deg f they need to be re-hydroed.

I understand that some anodizing may be less than that temp but, like I said, I wouldn't push it. You're taking your chances with a 3000 psi potential pipe bomb on your back.

Me? No "tanks".

Besides, can you be sure an anodizing place knows how to treat scuba cylinders? How to dry them?

Darin

 

[spectrum]

I would not try it.

I have a lot of anodizing done to industrial automation parts and it does create a surface hardness as part of the process. Anozized parts have proven to more prone to cracking as well.

If the tank is getting shabby get it shot blasted and call it good.

Pete