Is it possible using common alloys and home shop equipment?
Hardening the bore of an aluminum cylinder
Jan 30, 2007
6 Replies
Depends on your application, but you might look into anodizing.
JW
Yeah, specify "hard" anodizing. Randy
Define "hardening".
Yes, to do what?
Wolfgang
Without having more particulars it's hard to answer this. If it's for something like the cylinder for an engine, you might consider this: It's a well sorted process.
Pete
Sure, sleeve it with cast iron, or bronze if you need non-rusting, shrink fit it. Cheap 2 cycle engines use hard chroming, not a home project, though. What's the usage?
To some of the other posters: Anodizing does nothing for the underlying metal hardness, it's like coating putty with glass if it's used on non-heat-treated aluminum. When the underlying metal yields, it cracks. Also tends to be very abrasive with moving parts, aluminum oxide IS used as an abrasive, you know.
Stan
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