Anodizing options

[doctorj77]

Looking for a refinisher in SE Michigan who can anodize a completed 80 frame. Presuming since its a finished 80 frame, this shop would have to be a ffl?

[balrog006]

Looking for a refinisher in SE Michigan who can anodize a completed 80 frame. Presuming since its a finished 80 frame, this shop would have to be a ffl?

In all likelihood it should be licensed for the work, yes. They may not have to be if it’s done there in your presence as you wait-but that’s on them if they want to. No suggestion on a vendor for you though, sorry.

[Jim1855]

FFL yes, in theory.
The problem is going to be to find an anodizer that will work with a quantity of 1. I'd guess if you do you'll probably hit the minimum charge probably around $300+.
Then do you want MIL Spec hardcoat Type 3 or the traditional Type 2. Most likely you'll have to accommodate the additional thickness of the Type 3 in your fitting, not so much with Type 2.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anodizing
By the way, refinishing anodize is another whole rat's nest of problems.
Jim

[balrog006]

FFL yes, in theory.
The problem is going to be to find an anodizer that will work with a quantity of 1. I'd guess if you do you'll probably hit the minimum charge probably around $300+.
Then do you want MIL Spec hardcoat Type 3 or the traditional Type 2. Most likely you'll have to accommodate the additional thickness of the Type 3 in your fitting, not so much with Type 2.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anodizing
By the way, refinishing anodize is another whole rat's nest of problems.
Jim

Agreed, many other coatings out there better suited for a firearm/lower than anodizing IMHO.

Cerakote would be one I’d look very closely at first. Much more firearms friendly, much more common and much cheaper, and with vendors in the business.

[doctorj77]

As I add this up in my head, thinking more & more Cerakote is probably where I'll go

Brown Bear Arms is just down the road from me

[JDG]

This company just opened in Battle Creek a few years ago. I'm so happy because I had to mow that 40 acre lot!! lol

https://bowersaluminumco.com/

[Jim1855]

Bowers is an excellent anodizing company, probably one of the best. I was taking all of my manufacturing business to them until they changed their business model and I was too small of a customer.

Jim

[JDG]

Bowers is an excellent anodizing company, probably one of the best. I was taking all of my manufacturing business to them until they changed their business model and I was too small of a customer.

Jim

Good to hear they are a quality business, don't sound like they will be able to help the OP. They build a building, than a year later expanded at least 3X the size!

[dwcopple]

Duracoat has some super tough finishes that resemble Anodizing. Look em up