Method and apparatus for anodizing objects

Abstract

A method and apparatus of anodizing a component, preferably aluminum, is disclosed. The component is placed in an electrolyte solution. A number of pulses are applied to the solution and component. Each pulse is formed by a pattern including having three magnitudes. The third magnitude is less, preferably substantially less, than the first and second magnitudes, and all three magnitudes are of the same polarity. The pulse pattern may include alternations between the first and second magnitudes, and following the alternations, the third magnitude. Other patterns may be provided. The solution is in a reaction chamber, along with at least a portion of the component. The fluid enters the reaction chamber from a transport chamber through a plurality of inlets directed toward the component, preferably at an angle of between 60 and 70 degrees. The inlet is preferably the cathode, and the component is the anode, whereby current flows between the cathode and the anode in another embodiment. The inlets are in a side wall such that the fluid enters the reaction chamber substantially horizontally. The reaction chamber has at least one outlet beneath the inlets. The outlet may be in a bottom wall. The fluid follows a return path, such that the fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the transport chamber. The component is held in a mounted position mechanically or pneumatically in various alternatives.

1 . A method of electrolytically treating a component comprising the steps of: 
 providing the component;    placing the component in an electrolyte solution; and    applying a plurality of pulses to the solution and component, wherein the pulses have a pattern comprised of at least a first magnitude portion, a second magnitude portion, and a third magnitude portion, wherein the third magnitude is less than the first and second magnitudes, and wherein all three magnitudes are of the same polarity.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the third magnitude is substantially less than the first and second magnitudes.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the third magnitude is substantially zero.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pulse pattern includes the sequence of alternations between the first and second magnitudes, and following the alternations, the third magnitude.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pulse pattern includes the sequence of the first magnitude portion, followed by the second magnitude portion, followed by the first magnitude portion, followed by the third magnitude portion.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pulse pattern includes the sequence of the first magnitude portion, followed by the third magnitude portion, followed by the third magnitude portion.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the pulses are current pulses and the step of applying a plurality of pulses includes the steps of: 
 providing a substantially constant current magnitude during the first magnitude portion;    providing a substantially constant current magnitude during the second magnitude portion; and    providing a substantially constant current magnitude during the second magnitude portion.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the duration of the first magnitude portion of the pulse is different than the duration of at least one of the second and third portions.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 2  wherein at least one of the first, second and third magnitudes is not constant.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of applying a plurality of pulses includes the step of applying the portions in the sequence of the first magnitude portion followed by the third magnitude portion, followed by the second magnitude portion.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of applying a plurality of pulses includes the step of applying a pulse pattern having four portions.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  including the step of apply at least one additional pulse having a different pulse pattern.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of applying a plurality of pulses includes the step of gradually changing between the first, second and third magnitudes.  
   
   
       14 . An apparatus for electrolytically treating a component comprising: 
 a reaction chamber, adapted for placing at least a portion of the component therein, and for holding a reaction fluid;    a transport chamber in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, wherein the fluid enters the reaction chamber from the transport chamber through a plurality of inlets directed toward the component;    a fluid return path, wherein the fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the transport chamber.    
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further including a fluid reservoir, in fluid communication with the transport chamber, wherein the return path includes the fluid reservoir.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further include a pump disposed between the fluid reservoir and the transport chamber, disposed to pump fluid to the transport chamber, thereby forcing the fluid through the inlets to the component in a plurality of jets directed at the component.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the reaction chamber has a substantially circular cross section.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the transport chamber has a substantially circular cross section, and is outside and substantially concentric with the reaction chamber.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the fluid is directed toward the component at an angle of between 60 and 90 degrees.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the fluid is directed toward the component at an angle of between 60 and 70 degrees.  
   
   
       21 - 28 . (canceled)