Casting Using Caswell LCD Anodizing Kit

At a glance..

Rather than using varying current and voltages, the LCD Process specifies that the anodization be performed at a constant current while allowing a power supply to automatically adjust the voltage as required. This makes it ideally suited for home and amateur use, which is the targeted audience of this review.

The details..

'Anodizing Using Caswell's LCD Anodizing Kit' introduces readers to the Low Current Density (LCD) Process and its benefits over traditional methods of anodization. The author explains that this process utilizes lower electrolyte concentrations and reduced current, making it safer and more automated than other techniques. This book focuses on using Caswell's Standard LCD Aluminum Anodizing Kit, which supplies most of what home and amateur users need to successfully perform aluminum anodization.

The purpose of this book is multi-fold: first, it reviews the completeness of Caswell's kit as well as their instructions; secondly, it assesses both independently for quality; thirdly, it evaluates whether or not the LCD Process is viable; fourthly,it serves as a How-To guide documenting test results while noting any limitations in either equipment or processes used by Fibergeek or KT Ordnance during testing.

To ensure accuracy in data collection for both companies involved -Casewell & Fibergeek- additional monitoring equipment was required but some steps may be unnecessary under normal circumstances. Thus readers are advised to fully understand all procedures before attempting them at home.The manual provided with each kit contains alternative methods,cations,hazards,potential problems,and Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDS). Although understanding electrochemical processes isn't necessary,the reader must know about techniques/procedures involved so they can identify potential issues.

Readers should take precautions when handling chemicals like acids(e.g sulfuric acid), wear protective gear such as rubber gloves(goggles too!),and work only in well ventilated areas.Fumes from heating products included within kits produce small amounts fumes/steam.Although noxious fumes weren't encountered,sufficient ventilation prevents any problem arising.