Been calling around attempting to get someone to do a Type III Class 2 (black) anodizing on my M16A2 clone lower.
Hardly anyone can do the hard-coat that Type III is.
Lots of places obfuscate by attempting to sell me Type IIB Class 2 by saying it's in accordance with MIL-A-8625.
I happen to have a copy of that!
When you ask, "do you properly adhere to section 3.4.3," they start equivocating start saying that Type II is good enough.
Except it isn't for the hammer, selector and trigger pin holes. Type II just isn't resistant enough to wear for even casual use for very long. You'll end up with an oval hammer hole in short order.
I have found a place that can actually do the work and is willing to do it! Road trip tomorrow morning!
Hardly anyone can do the hard-coat that Type III is.
Lots of places obfuscate by attempting to sell me Type IIB Class 2 by saying it's in accordance with MIL-A-8625.
I happen to have a copy of that!
3.4.2 Type II and IIB coatings. Type II and IIB coatings shall be the result of treating aluminum and aluminum alloys electrolytically in a bath containing sulfuric acid to produce a uniform anodic coating on the metal surface. Heat treatable alloys shall be in the required temper obtained by heat treatment, such as -T4, -T6, or T73, prior to anodizing.
3.4.2.1 Type IIB coatings. Type IIB coatings provide a non-chromate alternative to Type I and IB coatings. Unless approved by the procuring activity, substitution of a Type IIB coating where Type I or IB is specified shall be prohibited.
3.4.3 Type III coatings. Type III coatings shall be the result of treating aluminum and aluminum alloys electrolytically to produce a uniform anodic coating on the metal surface. Type III coatings shall be prepared by any process operation to produce a heavy dense coating of specified thickness on aluminum alloys (see 3.7.2.1). Unless otherwise specified in the contract, purchase order or applicable drawing, Type III coatings shall not be applied to aluminum alloys with a nominal copper content in excess of 5 percent or a nominal silicon content in excess of 8.0 percent. Alloys with a nominal silicon content higher than 8.0 percent may be anodized subject to approval of the procuring activity. Heat treatable alloys shall be in a temper obtained by heat treatment, such as -T4, -T6 or T73, prior to anodizing.
When you ask, "do you properly adhere to section 3.4.3," they start equivocating start saying that Type II is good enough.
Except it isn't for the hammer, selector and trigger pin holes. Type II just isn't resistant enough to wear for even casual use for very long. You'll end up with an oval hammer hole in short order.
I have found a place that can actually do the work and is willing to do it! Road trip tomorrow morning!