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Anodizing of Aluminum Parts for Small Arms
Navy SBIR 2008.2 - Topic N08-114 MARCOR - Mr. Paul Lambert - [email protected] Opens: May 19, 2008 - Closes: June 18, 2008 N08-114 TITLE: Anodizing of Aluminum Parts for Small Arms TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes ACQUISITION PROGRAM: ACAT III OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative approaches for anodizing large numbers of small parts, fabricated from aluminum alloys, without the need for individual racking of parts. DESCRIPTION: The Marine Corps processes a large number of small parts for small arms, and imparts corrosion protection and aesthetic qualities to those parts by anodizing. The parts of interest include but are not limited to bellcranks, M16 receivers, trigger housings, door mounts, and hinge brackets. The alloys of interest include those from the 5xxx and 7xxx series, as well as 355-T6 and 356-T6. Currently, the small parts are racked using compression on aluminum prongs, on racks with successive prongs, or on finger-like attachments. However, the racking process is time consuming and inefficient, and the Marine Corps seeks a batch process for anodizing large numbers of small aluminum parts. The key drivers for anodizing parts are uniformity, with avoidance of surface problems such as burning and formation of powdery deposits. The desired thickness of the anodized layer is 0.001 + 0.0002 to 0.002 + 0.0003 mils. Sometimes a clear anodized layer is required, although typically a black matte dye is used. The uniformity of the anodized layer is determined using visual appearance of color when dyes are used, for example, MIL-STD-595 for M16 receivers. This topic requests innovative approaches that can meet the need for bulk anodizing of small parts. The robustness of the manufacturing technology will be established by the range of parts that can be anodized using a non-racking approach, and the uniformity of the anodized layer on the parts. The need for high reliability and reproducibility of the anodized coating is paramount, and will be established by rigorous testing. PHASE I: Based on a part that is representative of the small parts typically anodized by the Marine Corps, design and build a small-scale fixture for bulk anodizing. Demonstrate proof-of-concept of the proposed bulk anodizing approach using this fixture and part. Identify a range of parts that could be tested in a Phase II program. Provide a conceptual design of prototype hardware that will be built in the Phase II program for pilot-scale bulk anodizing. PHASE II: Build upon the Phase I work to produce prototype hardware for pilot-scale anodizing of small parts in Phase II. Optimize the anodizing process and develop a library of process parameters that cover anodizing requirements for a wide range of parts. Perform testing of the anodized parts and compare the performance and reliability of those parts with those obtained with state-of-the-art anodizing processes. During this Phase II program, work closely with the DoD to ensure that military specifications will be met by this technology. PHASE III: The offeror shall work with a DoD prime contractor to transfer the pilot-scale capability to full-scale production. PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This technology will have application to the commercial marketplace, which requires robust, high-reliability anodizing and manufacturing technologies. REFERENCES:
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