Ti anodising durability question

[wykeite]

Help with a comparison of heat versus electrical.

The question is which would be the more durable if either? The laws of physics means that for a particular colour whether electrically or heat produced the thickness is the same (If they weren't they wouldn't be the same colour).

My heart tells me it's the heat produced one but I've got no evidence. Even though in reality the layer is less that the thickness of a gnat's pubic hair is there really a difference:duh2:.

 

[jhanko]

Conventional titanium anodizing (heat or electrical) is not durable at all. The layer will be the same done with either method, but I would imagine the heat method would weaken the base metal by changing it's hardness. The thickness and perceived color are dependant on the applied heat or votage. As voltage is applied, an oxide layer is built up that insulates the titanium from that voltage. Increasing voltage will build a thicker layer and change the color, but it is still way too thin and soft to be considered protective. I've done a few parts and it didn't take long for the color to start changing on the edges, just from sliding the part in/out of a pocket. The oxide layer was being polished away. The only good titanium anodizing is spark anodizing, which requires a much higher voltage and an alkaline bath instead of acid. The layer produced is altered and much harder that plain titanium oxide. The titanium Surefire Titan has this anodization and is very tough. I have some parts I want to spark anodize and have done alot of research. The problem is that the alkaline bath appears to be a trade secret. I can't find any formulas anywhere.