anodizing aluminum

I was just wondering if anodizing aluminum worth it? i can get it done to some of our parts, i read it hardens it does it help really? i know you can get it dyed to which was offered to, so i guess that would be pretty cool

you wont see any significant difference. We've tried a couple different coating including some that no others will ever have the chance to and we just stick with spray paint.

If its free though why not

Yeah, basically it's just a cosmetic thing. The main reason I'd say most things are anodized is to prevent mild damage due to abrasion or weathering over time - which is the opposite of what battlebots generally experience.

and to prevent oxidation, that about sums it up

okay thanks, what else could i do to make the Al stronger

crowconor wrote:

okay thanks, what else could i do to make the Al stronger

magically turn it into steel.

Not much other then correct design and usage. It is never about what materials you use, more so how you use them in a combat robot.

Go to ti....

We tried this http://www.apogeetechinc.net/products/titanium-composite-coatings/
Its a titanium carbide composite, and it didnt help at all

The only thing you can do is go stronger, then go thicker

I'd like to hear from rjw on this. . .but most types of metal do work harden. I don't know what this would entail with Aluminum, or how much it would help. What I imagine is something along the lines of hammering the heck out of one side Perhaps some sort of cold rolling?

Generally, no one bothers to try to harden Al--like others have said, use Ti instead. It is just about the same density, but is harder (which I think means it is both stronger and stiffer for the same weight). Of course, it might be less malleable, so it might break before it bends as much as Aluminum would, but I"m pretty sure that's not the case. One thing is certain: Ti makes pretty sparks when it gets hit!

As you can tell, I haven't had much experience with Titanium.

Another alternative is to put a thin sheet of something else (i.e. cladding) over the Al. I have experience using spring steel in this way and it was remarkably effective.

Just attach uhmw to the outside. Sometimes you don't want a harder surface. Sometimes it is better to have a slippery surface that is soft and will help catch a blade instead of transfer all the energy without slowing the blade at all.

We have seen some great success in soft armor, but we have also seen some great failures. The best armor is always car tires.
CAR TIRES!