Was anodising finishes better in the old days before environmental acts and rules

[mezzanine]

I remember reading an article from Chris King or maybe it was Hope tech but can't find it now about how it has become much more difficult over the years (actual finish quality and maybe just outright costs) to produce some certain colours because of tighter rules, harsher chemicals being used back in the day which are no longer allowed, etc.

So the question is - Is it true that newer anodising will have a different quality to old Chris King Violet 3D or is the modern 2025 Violet 3D just as good as the original Violet 3D from late 80's to late 90's when they had free rein on processes? I'm not qualified to answer and maybe the answer is science is science so end result is just the same?

 

[fguki]

It may be a certain point in that whole story. But fact is: It all much more depends on the material and anodizer himself and his craft!

Ive had professional European companies who couldnt even anodize a black Ringle H20 properly. On the other hand I know 2 guys who anodize Chris King purple 3DV, dark blue (super hard to do and get just right) or even Chris King green (super hard to do and get just right). I just heard, in Denmark, there is a master anodizer, too.

Now! What is much more important is the colors used (yes, but Caswell Inc still provides superb dyes). And the Europeans are great, too. And first and foremost: Your preparation work, the pre-polish to high gloss for shiny anodization, your accuracy and your skill level and the material used!

If the Aluminium-type is not really really suited for great anodizing, you will never get a rich blue or a super shiny purple 3DV. No matter if you have polished and cleaned the shaite out of your parts before the process.

 

[paton]

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/inside-hope-technology-following-the-manufacturing-process.html

 

[paton]

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-ge...y-bike-parts-are-coated-to-prevent-corrosion/