Anodizing Magnesium .... Been there done that?

[tocobill]

Ive searched the threads but no positive answer. I know magnesium can be anodized. Has anyone refinished there mag based 911 parts in this fashion? Im looking to clear anodize my mag chain boxes, fan housing, and fan blade. Let me know what youve done. Thanks.

[TRE Cup]

http://www.magnesium-elektron.com/data/downloads/ds256su0.pdf

nice booklet that discusses this subject

from personal experience we have done specialized media blasting to get it really clean, then gibbs soaking.

we tried a full polish and clear coating; not good. after about 3-4 months there was oxidation and it grew mottled spots under the clear coat

opaque powder coating is ok as long as you compensate for the thickness of the coating on both the fan ring and the fan tips. We usually file/grind off about 1-1.2 mm off the fan tips and it clears the ring

[tocobill]

Thanks Dave! I really dont want to powder coat. I have a local anodizing place down the street I was going to stop by and ask a few questions. Gibbs is also a route. I have them blasted and have been ultrasonically cleaned. Will the Gibbs last long or will it have to be applied over time to keep up the protection?

[tocobill]

I also want to get billet valve covers to get rid of the plastic 993 ones for my build. I figure if I can get them a dark grey mag anodized finish it will fit the look Im going for. Hence the one stop shop to get rid of the bling.

[304065]

Mag is not typically anodized- the acid used in that process literally eats away the part
It can be plated however - electro less nickel holds up well, or it can be flash copper plated, then plated with another metal- the flash copper stops the process chemical from eating the magnesium

[LJ851]

Originally Posted by 304065

Mag is not typically anodized- the acid used in that process literally eats away the part
It can be plated however - electro less nickel holds up well, or it can be flash copper plated, then plated with another metal- the flash copper stops the process chemical from eating the magnesium

Yes.

Magnesium motorcycle wheels are offered unpainted in a gold chromate finish

[tocobill]

Thanks guys. I think the billet valve covers will be fine with anodize. I would love to find another route to long term protection of my trans casing and other mag parts other then just gibbs. Ill ask the local place if they can do chromate finishing. They have a rather large shop.

[LJ851]

One thing to remember with anodizing is that it is a transparent coating that is largely affected by surface finish.

A shiny machined part anodized black for instance will turn out shiny, dark black and a bead blasted (or rough cast) dull part anodized the same color will look a lot like flat black paint.

A good example of this is the RSR finished fuchs, the barrels are blasted and the edge of the lip is polished and the whole thing anodized.

[911pcars]

Yes. Mg can be anodized. The internet is available for information closer to factual:
Magnesium & Aluminum Coatings / Anodizing | Saporito Finishing Inc.
Magnesium NH35 Coating / Conversion Coatings / Special Finishes | Saporito Finishing Inc.

Images:
https://www.google.com/search?q=anodizing+magnesium&client=firefox-a&hs=JoR&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&channel=sb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=DJgsU8u1JsKGogSbjYDACw&ved=0CHAQsAQ&biw=1448&bih=1091

Clear anodizing bead-blasted aluminum will produce a flat (non-reflective) aluminum finish. If a glossy aluminum finish is the objective, the typical procedure is to polish the aluminum then anodize in a variety of colors. In addition, anodizers can add a "brite-finish" to enhance the appearance.

Sherwood

[tocobill]

Thanks Sherwood. I have reached out to a few "large shops" but got no reply. I suppose it wasnt worth their time. I went to one shop today. They could match there anodize grey to the mag trans piece I had for the wevo side plate and billet valve covers, but could not do the magnesium. The other shop I am fairly certain can do magnesium in a few different coatings but I need to confirm in person with my case and engine pieces. One step closer ...

[tirwin]

Talk to Mark Motshagen about options. He's powder coating my fan right now. His stuff looks very different (in a good way). He also seems to do some plating work. At any rate, the guy knows his stuff.

[HawgRyder]

Don't forget...true Magnesium is porous!
Mag wheels do not hold air...unless painted on the inside or coated in some other way.
So...Mag valve covers may leak through from the inside and end up discolouring the outside surfaces (from oil additives).
Bob

[frankc]

I went with the electroless nickel plating for my fan & housing, but media blasting and Gibbs for the Mg 915.

[fasterlaster]

Originally Posted by frankc

I went with the electroless nickel plating for my fan & housing, but media blasting and Gibbs for the Mg 915.

Frank, I am coming over to your house to snag that fan. Absolutely beautiful.