Anodizing X-Metals by XMC optics

[XMetalAddict]

I think I would go with the electric green to go with the jealously that reading all these posts gives me.

IH, we are very lucky to have your skills to hand to beathe new life into or old X-Metal frames. I just need to find a pair of frames for the purpose.

Have a question for IH, would you be able to practice on normal strips of titanium or does the X-Metal react differently?

 

[InfiniteHero]

@InfiniteHero , if an x-metal pair was left unetched like @Mdgustaf's Juliets, would the other colours only hint at the anodised colour also? I like the teal and electric green but not sure I could pull them off - whereas an x-metal pair that hinted at teal might be a different matter...

Right before I left on my trip, I took a X metal Juliet that was pretty new, but unworn. I cleaned them up with IPA to remove any oils, and then tried to make them the purple again. I even etched them for 4 seconds to make the purple stand out slightly more like that XX one I did.

So 2 out of 3 X Metal finishes came out perfect the way its supposed to. This third pair, DIDNT take the color to the oxide layer any where near like the others. Just barely took it and actually darkened up the finish. Was surprised but didnt have time to work it. When I get back going much higher in the spectrum like the teal or green will be done. If they worked out like planned we could swap frames in a deal if you wanted them. I am working on things like - Etching to get the base color to silver, but then letting the natural clear oxide layer build up on its own for a day or two, then etching only like 7 sec to remove some of it but not all, then hitting it with color. That produces the bright finish rather than the matte finish totally etched. Here is a pic of one I have worked on, and need new pics of it since I have redone it. The sliver that is showing is the base layer of ti showing through the purple oxide layer. That is the most important to remember, due to having many questions such as is it not totally covered etc.... This one is up for sale soon also.

 

[InfiniteHero]

I think I would go with the electric green to go with the jealously that reading all these posts gives me.

IH, we are very lucky to have your skills to hand to beathe new life into or old X-Metal frames. I just need to find a pair of frames for the purpose.

Have a question for IH, would you be able to practice on normal strips of titanium or does the X-Metal react differently?

Thanks, that us much appreciated!!!!

I do have some frames available to be done, just depends on what finish or type you wanted, so pm me about that if you want one done.

There are several types of Ti. Oakley I believe used 5 or so metals in this Ti frame, a mix of them with Ti being dominant. So yes slight difference with colors compared to a sheet of Ti. Plus I am noticing finishes, oxide layer thickness, and etching process can vary dramatically the differences. I can only be so daring on a new pair of frames. In most cases I cannot reverse any work done, unless I change the finish. So example.... a polished frame, I have done several, gold, purple, blue, copper etc.... but not done a slight etch to remove only a smidgen of the oxide layer then anodize it. That should produce a thicker oxide layer in the color, which should be brighter and cut down on the base finish from showing through. But cannot say to a customer lets do that, if that doesn't get the desired result then the frame changes when reversed. I am working on the same polished finish that Oakley did to the frames, so likely soon will be able to change any frame into a exact copy of the factory polished. Then can try anything and any combination.

 

[OakleyFreak]

Do you think the Polished frame on the Ichiro custom made it look deeper ?
just curious
I just picked up a beater Plasma Juliet and cant decide between the 24K frame ill never find.
Oor a IH clone, with that blue like that Blue Anodized Polished Juliet
But if you could make the gold look like that Blue AGHHHHHHHHH

 

[InfiniteHero]

The dark color made it look deeper. Lighter colors Gold you can see in my original page on this thread the XS polished that was done in gold. Its transparent so the polished frame shines through more. Several posts back you can see how the purple would look almost the same on a plasma

 

[OakleyFreak]

If you ever do that same blue on a plasma pair I would like to see it

 

[InfiniteHero]

I likely won't unless a customer wants it. I can test frames that I can reverse the process on, but a factory finish I cannot revers without changing the finish on it.

 

[MJLSr]

If you ever do that same blue

There will never be the exact same blue [so let's call this one 'Ichiro Ano-Blue'], and probably not a blue that is close on a Plasma frame unless it is transformed into a Polished first. Also consider that these things are like snowflakes - we're talking millions, maybe billions of colors with a lot of variables. One of the biggest variables is the frame itself. I have a few polished frames [factory] and no two are exactly alike - the process, if attempted to obtain the exact same finish would only further distance these pairs from each other. Also consider the method used - electricity is not easily re-mixed or measured to a spec like a paint, or deterministic like a blasting material at a specific flow rate. In other words there is no magic 'Ichiro Ano-Blue' mix. I think this makes them more unique, and desirable, but I am slightly biased . Even the system itself is like a vinyl record of sorts in that every time you play it, every piece and part you do, the materials used will also shift and change, requiring careful attention to the entire setup and not just a variable or two to pick a color. @InfiniteHero has invested a lot of time and effort to learn this and we are just beginning to reap the benefits.

I likely won't unless a customer wants it.

Oh, they do... and if they don't yet
wait until they
see...
you...
TiCu

 

[XMetalAddict]

There will never be the exact same blue [so let's call this one 'Ichiro Ano-Blue'], and probably not a blue that is close on a Plasma frame unless it is transformed into a Polished first. Also consider that these things are like snowflakes - we're talking millions, maybe billions of colors with a lot of variables. One of the biggest variables is the frame itself. I have a few polished frames [factory] and no two are exactly alike - the process, if attempted to obtain the exact same finish would only further distance these pairs from each other. Also consider the method used - electricity is not easily re-mixed or measured to a spec like a paint, or deterministic like a blasting material at a specific flow rate. In other words there is no magic 'Ichiro Ano-Blue' mix. I think this makes them more unique, and desirable, but I am slightly biased . Even the system itself is like a vinyl record of sorts in that every time you play it, every piece and part you do, the materials used will also shift and change, requiring careful attention to the entire setup and not just a variable or two to pick a color. @InfiniteHero has invested a lot of time and effort to learn this and we are just beginning to reap the benefits.


Oh, they do... and if they don't yet
wait until they
see...
you...
TiCu

I don't think you would want to call it "Ichiro Ano-Blue if you are of a Spanish speaking disposition!!!

 

[MJLSr]

I don't think you would want to call it "Ichiro Ano-Blue if you are of a Spanish speaking disposition!!!

That would not be the first time I made an 'ass' of myself!
And in a way even that would be appropriate considering those that have busted their asses figuring this process out through the mierda!!!

We'll be sure to translate it accordingly

How about "Ichiro Azul"... I like that and I have majority vote (j/k)... Anyone second that?