Anodizing of Aluminum Parts for Small Arms

Anodizing is the most common surface treatment of aluminum. The natural oxide layer formed provides excellent corrosion and wear resistance. Anodizing processes have relied heavily on the inefficient process of individual racking of the parts. Alternate techniques have been developed but surface problems such as burning cause high scrap rates. A new process for anodizing large quantities of small arms parts for Marine Corps military applications was demonstrated during Phase I. The process produced small arms parts having equivalent hardness, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance compared to conventionally anodized parts. This technique will meet an immediate demand for improved high volume processing without the need for individual racking, while maintaining the high surface quality to meet military standards. Phase II will build upon the Phase I work to produce prototype hardware for pilot-scale anodizing of small aluminum parts. The anodizing process will be optimized and process parameters developed that cover anodizing requirements for a wide range of parts. Anodized parts will be tested and their performance will be compared to the performance and reliability of parts obtained with state-of-the-art anodizing processes. The objectives of Phase II include process development, testing, specification compliance, and transition of the process to MCLB facilities.