Materials: Difference between revisions
stainless can be as low as 11% chromium; mention unobtainium
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Anodizing does not conduct electricity, therefore parts of flashlights that must conduct from one piece to another will intentionally lack anodizing on threads or on the end of a tube in order to get metal-to-metal contact. | Anodizing does not conduct electricity, therefore parts of flashlights that must conduct from one piece to another will intentionally lack anodizing on threads or on the end of a tube in order to get metal-to-metal contact. | ||
Anodizing can be removed with strong alkali. People have had luck using a product called Greased Lightning, a degreaser widely available in the US. Then they polish it on a buffing wheel with a metal polish called Rouge. The result is glossy shiny aluminum. Either clear coat or a product called Sharkhide can be used to keep the shine from becoming dull. Here are some examples: [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/7357 DRY], [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/7734 Ultrafire UF-980L], and [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/7737 Solarforce L2i]. | Anodizing can be removed with strong alkali. People have had luck using a product called Greased Lightning, a degreaser widely available in the US (after removing switches o-rings, reflector, glass, etc.). Then they polish it on a buffing wheel with a metal polish called Rouge. The result is glossy, shiny, easily scratched aluminum. Either clear coat or a product called Sharkhide can be used to keep the shine from becoming dull. Here are some examples: [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/7357 DRY], [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/7734 Ultrafire UF-980L], and [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/7737 Solarforce L2i]. It is much easier to remove Type II anodizing than Type III. | ||
== Stainless Steel == | == Stainless Steel == | ||
Stainless steel is harder than aluminum, but also much heavier. It is basically steel with a high ( | Stainless steel is harder than aluminum, but also much heavier. It is basically steel with a high (11% and higher) chromium content. There are a variety of types of stainless steel with different surface treatments from matte to high gloss. It is not a coating, so it will not peel or flake off. Most types of stainless steel are not magnetic but some are, so a magnet test is not definitive. Stainless does not transmit heat as well aluminum and therefore is not as effective in carrying heat away from a LED. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel Wikipedia] for more information on stainless steel. | ||
== Titanium == | == Titanium == | ||
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Some flashlights are available in titanium alloy. These are usually the higher-end custom lights, but some production lights are now produced in Ti. Titanium can be polished to a very shiny finish; bead blasted, or anodized/heat treated for a variety of colors. Ti is more resistant to corrosion than stainless steel and weighs 40% less. | Some flashlights are available in titanium alloy. These are usually the higher-end custom lights, but some production lights are now produced in Ti. Titanium can be polished to a very shiny finish; bead blasted, or anodized/heat treated for a variety of colors. Ti is more resistant to corrosion than stainless steel and weighs 40% less. | ||
Although Ti is heavier than aluminum, it is much stronger. Titanium is more expensive and harder to machine than Aluminum. Like stainless, it does not conduct heat as well as aluminum, and this fact must be addressed when engineering high-powered flashlights. See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium Wikipedia] for more information on titanium. | Although Ti is heavier than aluminum, it is much stronger. Titanium is more expensive and harder to machine than Aluminum. Like stainless, it does not conduct heat as well as aluminum, and this fact must be addressed when engineering high-powered flashlights. Due to its light weight and high strength, it is frequently used in aircraft, but because most titanium came from Russia and was very hard to buy, US defense contractors nicknamed the metal "unobtainium". See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium Wikipedia] for more information on titanium. | ||
== Summary of Metal Properties == | == Summary of Metal Properties == | ||