geekhack
geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Photoelectric on Fri, 03 February 2017, 09:02:59
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I'm a little confused what the preparation process is for a semi-gloss finish of anodized aluminum. For example, GON used to offer his keyboards in "no glare", "semi-glare", and "glare" options--all were textured, sand-blasted type, but I think the size of grain different, from fine grain being matte to large grain being shiny. I know a number of custom keyboard makers routinely offer this finish, such as LifeZ, Duck (especially), FMJ, some others. I've asked one of them about the process and was told "sandblasting" + "bright anodizing". So bright anodizing, as done in the U.S. shops I've called, basically is done on more satin type finishes, smoother ones, and I thought that doesn't really add gloss on its own. Just makes a part lighter prior to anodizing, unless I misunderstood. It's the underlying texture that can be glossy or matte, and anodizing itself (that is converting top layer to an oxide) actually slightly dulls a surface anyway.
So I called a local shop that does metal finishing, including sand- and bead-blasting, and the guy told me he'd never heard of a glossy finish after sand or bead blasting--that it's usually more on the matte side. That it does have some sheen on it, but not much. I don't know if he means that it's simply not as glossy as a high polish aluminum surface, but what I'm looking for is Duck keyboard-level of gloss, like this:
(http://i.imgur.com/yn6CCwQl.jpg)
Not matte like this (outer case):
(http://i.imgur.com/rT4QrVyl.jpg)
If anyone could give me some tips on what to request when speaking with a finishing shop, that'd be great.
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The top picture is zinc plated and the bottom picture looks like it was anodized.
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They are both anodized, not plated with anything.
I've figured it out. Bright dip anodizing is the key, it adds the extra gloss by smoothing out the finish in a certain way.