I Just Had My Tanks Anodized (pics)

[onca2002]

Well, I just got off the phone with Catalina again, as well as with 3 LDS's and all said a hydro is not necessary. The procedure doesn't affect the tanks integrity. Because of the very low temps, it is safe. Unlike "painting" where people will cook on a powder coating at high temps.

So looks like tanks are ready to go...getting a vip today and diving tomorrow.

 

[Luis H]

Well, I just got off the phone with Catalina again, as well as with 3 LDS's and all said a hydro is not necessary. The procedure doesn't affect the tanks integrity. Because of the very low temps, it is safe. Unlike "painting" where people will cook on a powder coating at high temps.

So looks like tanks are ready to go...getting a vip today and diving tomorrow.

Did Catalina by any chance give you any indication of why they don’t do an anodized finish from the factory? It could be cost, but I don’t think it is that expensive in a production environment.

 

[onca2002]

Yeah they did. They did some anodizing a few years ago, but the cost to have it done was about the cost to make the tank. It just wasn't feasible. It would have doubled the cost of a tank.

 

[DoubleHoseDiver]

Those bottles look great! Tim

 

[Chkultr]

I'd be satisfied with the finished product! Looks Great!

 

[Belmont]

Correct me if I'm wrong but aluminum oxide is way up there on the hardness scale, close to diamond.

 

[spectrum]

Did Catalina by any chance give you any indication of why they don’t do an anodized finish from the factory? It could be cost, but I don’t think it is that expensive in a production environment.

I know from prior experience that getting anodized colors (like red and blue) to hold true color overtime can be tricky. This usually means an extra step of water sealing. They may also prefer not to get into the DEP hassles.

Anodizing is not all that expensive but it's all about cycle time and tank size. Also you need to make sure that the solution residue is thoroughly removed, especially for a breathing air application. At local industrial rates a batch minimum is around $60 and a cylinder might just make minimum based on it being a single item to rack. Obviously done internally the actual cost will be much lower.

Actual color can also be material dependent. I would think that this grade of 6061 would be predictable.

Pete

 

[Stu S.]

Aluminum oxide is hard enough to be used as an abrasive. Sandpaper is often aluminum oxide.

We use anodized parts where I work, and some are subject to (minor) flexing. We don't have flake or crack issues. I'd be interested to hear how these tanks hold up in that regard.

Your wife's employer gave you quite a gift. All chemical metal treatment processes have become expensive.

 

[Wayward Son]

they look great. I'd like to see pics of them over time to see how the finish holds up. Painted tanks tend to end up looking like crap after a while.