Multi-color anodizing processes

Abstract

Anodizing processes are provided for coloring a metal component in a random pattern with one or more colors. Positive effect anodizing process advantageously includes steps of preparing the metal component, repeatedly coloring the metal component, sealing the color(s) and stripping the sealant, followed by application of UV coating. Negative effect anodizing process advantageously includes steps of preparing the metal component, repeatedly sealing the metal component, stripping the sealant, and coloring the metal component, followed by application of UV coating.

1 . An anodizing process for coloring a metal component in a random pattern with one or more colors, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) preparing the metal component for coloring;    (b) dipping the metal component in a colorant bath to apply a color to the metal component;    (c) dipping the metal component in a sealant to seal the color applied to the metal component with a direct electrical current passing through the metal component;    (d) stripping the sealant away from the metal component in a random pattern;    (e) repeating steps (b)-(d) to apply additional colors to the metal component if more than one color is desired; and    (f) adding UV coating to the metal component with a direct electrical current passing through the metal component.    
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the metal component comprises aluminum.  
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the step of preparing the metal component for coloring further comprising the steps of: 
 (a) cleaning the metal component in an acid-based solution;    (b) buffing the metal component chemically;    (c) etching the surface of the metal component; and    (d) dipping the metal component in a mixture to further prepare the surface of the metal component with a direct electrical current passing through the metal component.    
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 3 , following step (b) and prior to step (c), further comprising the steps of: 
 printing a logo on the metal component; and    baking the metal component.    
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 3 , wherein the step of buffing comprises dipping the metal component in a mixture of phosphoric acid, hydrogen nitrate, and oil of vitriol or a mixture of phosphoric acid, hydrogen nitrate, and sulfuric acid.  
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 3 , wherein the mixture used for further preparing the surface of the metal component comprises oil of vitriol and water.  
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the sealant comprises Top Seal DX-200 and water.  
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the step of stripping comprises dipping the metal component in pure oil of vitriol for less than one second.  
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the UV coating comprises an acrylic based coating.  
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the process is used for making multi-colored products including multi-colored makeup brushes and multi-colored bottle caps, the multi-color products comprising random patterns of dominant dyed color intermingled with subordinate base color of the metal component.  
     
     
         11 . An anodizing process for coloring a metal component in a random pattern with one or more colors, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) preparing the metal component for coloring;    (b) dipping the metal component in a sealant with a direct electrical current passing through the metal component;    (c) stripping the sealant away from the metal component in a random pattern;    (d) dipping the metal component in a colorant bath to apply a color to the metal component;    (e) repeating steps (b)-(d) to apply additional colors to the metal component if more than one color is desired; and    (f) adding UV coating to the metal component with a direct electrical current passing through the metal component.    
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein the metal component comprises aluminum.  
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein the step of preparing the metal component for coloring further comprising the steps of: 
 (a) cleaning the metal component in an acid-based solution;    (b) buffing the metal component chemically;    (c) etching the surface of the metal component; and    (d) dipping the metal component in a mixture to further prepare the surface of the metal component with a direct electrical current passing through the metal component.    
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 13 , following step (b) and prior to step (c), further comprising the steps of: 
 printing a logo on the metal component; and    baking the metal component.    
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the step of buffing comprises dipping the metal component in a mixture of phosphoric acid, hydrogen nitrate, and oil of vitriol or a mixture of phosphoric acid, hydrogen nitrate, and sulfiric acid.  
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the mixture used for further preparing the surface of the metal component comprises oil of vitriol and water.  
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein the sealant comprises Top Seal DX-200 and water.  
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein the step of stripping comprises dipping the metal component in pure oil of vitriol for less than one second.  
     
     
         19 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein the UV coating comprises an acrylic based coating.  
     
     
         20 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein the process is used for making multi-colored products including multi-colored makeup brushes and multi-colored bottle caps, the multi-color products comprising random patterns of dominant base color of the metal component intermingled with subordinate dyed color.