Clear anodizing?

[Bhobbs]

I work at a plastic injection molding company and for short run molds we use 7075-T6 aluminum (same as AR receivers). After the insert is machined to spec we have it clear anodized before running the mold.

I wonder what a clear anodized AR15 would look like. That would be pretty cool.

[Merc1138]

Umm, maybe if you wanted a "bling" rifle, heh. I have seen "natural" colored AR's before, although I don't know specifically what type of finish if any they had on them. Looked a little goofy to be honest.

[Noobert]

http://www.cncguns.com/images/AR15_Silver.jpg

[Untamed1972]

maybe sumthin' like this

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=269526

[Bhobbs]

Yeah it would look strange but then again people are making Hello Kitty ARs for their girlfriends. At least it won't look like a toy.

[mif_slim]

maybe sumthin' like this

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=269526

Raybourne has a really good setup, just that 10 lbs and 5oz is a little too heavy for me.

[Skammy]

It would scratch really easily ... it isn't as tough as type 3 anodizing

[aplinker]

It would scratch really easily ... it isn't as tough as type 3 anodizing

You can do clear type-III. In fact, you have to dye it to make it black.

It's just as you go to thicker anodizings, the surface doesn't look as shiny.

[1 SIG fan]

That'd be like GUE finish? Gangsta Urban Earth

[VictorFranko]

You need to polish out the aluminum before the anodize.

[VaderSpade]

It will take on a golden tone, but once it's anodized it's hard, if you don't like the way it turns out paint it, or duracoat.

before and after, not polished.

[Bhobbs]

It will take on a golden tone, but once it's anodized it's hard, if you don't like the way it turns out paint it, or duracoat.

before and after, not polished.

When compared to black furniture how much does the gold tone show up?

[Reno]

Clear hard (type III) ano is more gray then clear. It depends on the vendor, but it usually comes out on the gray/green side fo me with AL 7075. Also, the act or anodizing will ruine a polished surface, so don't waste tour time. The part just needs to be smooth and free of residual stresses to have a uniform color.

[VictorFranko]

the act or anodizing will ruine a polished surface, so don't waste tour time. The part just needs to be smooth and free of residual stresses to have a uniform color.

I have to disagree that anodizing will "ruin" a polished surface. The better the surface finish to start, the better the anodizing/plating/painting will turn out.

[VaderSpade]

If you polish skip the etch step. Etch will ruin the polish, otherwise it should turn out fine.