This SBIR program addresses the need for an innovative manufacturing process for bulk anodizing of a large number of small aluminum alloy parts, by cominbing bulk anodizing with a sophisticated electrochemical anodization technique and an innovative cell design. The anticipated results in this Phase I SBIR program include (1) development of a Faradayic anodizing process that meets the need for anodized layer thicknesses of 0.001 to 0.002 inches without deleterious surface problems, 2) process enhancement by combination with a hydrodynamic flow scheme that improves uniformity over current practices, 3) conceptual design of pilot-scale hardware that would be built in Phase II, 4) identification of a range of parts that would be investigated in Phase II, and 5) a detailed commercialization strategy for initially meeting the military need and then transitioning to a commercial need. Phase II will extend the development and validation program for both the parts of interest to the U.S. Air Force and the manufacturing process, with an extensive testing program. At the successful completion of the Phase I and II programs, our technology team will have demonstrated the novel bulk anodizing process and the associated enabling hardware at a Manufacturing Readiness Level of ~5.
Benefit: The anticipated result of this program is the development and validation of an innovative electrochemical process technology that enables cost-effective, more efficient manufacturing process for anodizing small aluminum parts for small arms. The initial customer for this program is the Department of Defense; government investment in this project is crucial at this stage to the viability of bulk anodizing of small parts for small arms. Most anodizing job shops use racking systems, which represents a tremendous industrial market waiting out there for a more efficient and less time consuming anodizing process. This technology will enable bulk anodizing without the need for individual racking of parts that cannot be manufactured cost-effectively using conventional rack anodizing.
Keywords: aluminum alloys, aluminum alloys, bulk anodizing, Racks, anodization,, small parts
