RE: Removing anodizing from aluminum case

[Dakine234]

Anyone have any experience or try removing the anodizing from an aluminum case?  I've read that aluminum can be unanozided using a degreaser and a brush but am not sure if that works.  Any help or input is appreciated, mahalo!

[CPTBadAss]

I doubt you can use a degreaser and brush. You'll probably need to get it media blasted or use acid etching to remove it. And there's a possibility of ruining the base metal if you don't do it properly.

[dorkvader]

anodyzation is a thicker layer of Al2O3 (alumina: A very hard ceramic) that occurs naturally on aluminium that is exposed to oxygen. It protects it quite well. Most anodyzation processes add a dye to it as well to give it a colour.

The only way to get it off is to remove the alumina layer, usually by media blasting or with acid. If you have a local machine shop that can do anodyzation they can probably remove the old one as well.

[OverKill]

heavy duty oven cleaner works usually. also different types of acid. you can also take it to a plating company and they can strip it for you. keep in mind if you do any of the above options you will need to re-finish the surface before you re-anodize it if that is your plan.

[0100010]

Usually easier to powder coat over the anodized surface, provided the part has tolerance needed to accept the additional finish.

[Dakine234]

Thanks for the info, been doing more research in addition to your comments and it seems like media blasting is likely the best approach.  Some of the acids and stuff like oven cleaner seem pretty potent. 

[Oobly]

Dilute sodium hydroxide will strip away the aluminium oxide layer, just don't leave the parts in too long. This is actually often used as a preparation step for anodising to make sure the part has no oxide layer already on when starting to anodise. Be aware that it can roughen the surface of the part.

I wouldn't go with media blasting since the underlying material (aluminium) is a lot softer than the surface material (aluminium oxide) and you could end up with a very uneven or worn away surface.