Titanium aging techniques?

[HauteHippie]

Hi all,

What are the titanium aging techniques that people here have used? What's perferred?

Thanks!

Chiefy

[HauteHippie]

PS: Can't find the original thread linked here -

I know OXI CLEAN is part of the equation.

[Utheman]

there's an old thread just a few below yours

and here's another recent thread

[GBOGH]

There's some updated pics at this thread.

http://www.rwg.cc/topic/8509-192-science-experiment/page__st__40

[HauteHippie]

I guess the results are mixed. Sometimes the look is a nice and uniform aging effect, other times it's rather mottled and not so nice.

For what I'm doing, I think a PVD coating would give the result I'm seeking. I've found a coating that gives an aged Ti look, or sort of a graphite color.

See the color of this knife blade with this particular coating applied.. After some light cape codding, I think it'd be just right...

Edited August 14, 2012 by chieftang

[Utheman]

I always get DLC and PVD confused. Doesn't one wear off much easier than the other?

[HauteHippie]

I always get DLC and PVD confused. Doesn't one wear off much easier than the other?

I guess it depends on the type of PVD. The place I'm dealing with has about 30 different PVD coatings in addition to DLC.

Looking at their data: The PVD I liked has a Hardness of 3500, vs DLC which is 2000, according to their charts. And both have a max working temperature of 750F/400C.

I dunno. I don't think either is going to wear off. They're used as a coating on drill and end mill bits. For watches and eyeglasses (my application in this case), I don't think you're going to need one vs the other. It comes down to color choice if you ask me.

Edited August 15, 2012 by chieftang

[Utheman]

Thanks for the info. How thick are the coatings applied, for watches/glasses?

Nice color choice btw.

[HauteHippie]

Looks like that depends on coating type also. They have what they call "functional" (for tools) and "decorative" (for watches and glasses).

For functional, AlTiN (what the older Panerais had) is listed as 1-4 microns while DLC is listed as 0.5 microns.

For decorative it looks like most PVD will be kept at 1 micron, and have better uniformity. I suppose you could request functional even for a decorative application, but I don't think I will.

Edited August 15, 2012 by chieftang

[LeSentier]

Hi Chief, off topic - how can I contact you? Your PM box seems to be full and I have a question.

thx, J

[HauteHippie]

Hmmm, looks like i let me Platinum membership lapse. Ooops. I'll take care of that.