Bead blasting 6061 aluminum, is it worth it?

RDT

RDT

Joined
Dec 17, 1999
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As title poses the question folks. Personally I don't think it is worth it. However, it would save me lot of time and money.

If a person is using an device made of aluminum it will most probably get dinged up and the bead blast will wear wouldn't it?

My other option was a Hardcoat anodizing, which is waht I'm leaning toward.

Any input is greatly appreciated. :D

Rich
 
Hard anodize would be a much better wear resistant surface than bead blast.
 
Better yet, bead blast then hard anodize if you want that rough finish.
 
Your question is missing the key part: what is the intended goal of this blasting/anodizing ? I've seen dinged aluminium castings that were bead-blasted and ones that were anodized and they both look ugly when dinged badly enough. Anodizing provides an additional anti-oxydation layer while bead-blasting creates additional surface for oxydation to proceed. Bead-blasting was dirt cheap (where I used to work we had the bead-blasting machine but we had to outsource anodizing) while anodizing was relatively expensive.

Depens on what you really want to achieve by using either method.
 
faramir said:
Your question is missing the key part: what is the intended goal of this blasting/anodizing ? I've seen dinged aluminium castings that were bead-blasted and ones that were anodized and they both look ugly when dinged badly enough. Anodizing provides an additional anti-oxydation layer while bead-blasting creates additional surface for oxydation to proceed. Bead-blasting was dirt cheap (where I used to work we had the bead-blasting machine but we had to outsource anodizing) while anodizing was relatively expensive.

Depens on what you really want to achieve by using either method.
Click to expand...

ironicly the "anti-oxidation" layer is oxidation that is sealed.

i think bead blasting Al will end up with something being really ugly over time. with ano'ing you can make it look so much better. i assume since you are considering it that hard coat (class 3) has very few color choices where as class 2 has many mroe colors, while not as strong, easier to get done and unless there is going to be things that can scratch the piece will be nicer looking IMHO
-matt
 
Hard Anodized it is! The HA will create a RC of 62 I'm told which will be much better than type 2 anodiezed and the bead blasting I feel you are all right, it will look like crap in no time.

Basically I have a bunch of impact weapons that are pretty killer but in keeping with their intended use for SD, black Hard coat would be best.

Thanks guys!
 
could you tell me where you wre able to find out teh RC for the differant types of anodizing, i have been wondering about that for a while.
-matt
 
From Alexandrai Metal Finishers. I gave them a call and asked a few questions about this type of Anodizing and that is what the woman told me.
 
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