The steps to produce titanium anodes are as follows:
1. Cutting
Cutting involves removing materials of a specific shape, quantity, or quality from a larger batch of materials based on the required shape, quantity, or quality for a particular equipment or product. Following material selection, the cutting process adheres strictly to the drawing requirements, involving scribing, marking, hole punching, and potential polishing. Proper planning of the processing technology helps minimize material loss, ensuring precise cutting.
2. Welding
When it comes to the manufacturing process of titanium anodes, welding is an essential step after blanking and drilling. Argon arc welding is commonly used for titanium materials, and it requires welding similar materials together. For plate and tube welding, spot welding is initially used, followed by full welding. However, only spot welding is suitable for mesh structures.
3. Sandblasting
Sandblasting is a treatment process that involves using a sandblasting machine powered by compressed air to spray sand onto the surface of a titanium substrate. The impact of the sand particles helps remove impurities, variegated colors, and oxide layers from the surface. Additionally, sandblasting roughens the substrate surface, increasing the effective contact area and enhancing the adhesion between the coating and titanium. It is important to ensure even and thorough sandblasting without any missed areas.
4. Annealing
Annealing is a heat treatment process for metals where the material is slowly heated to a specific temperature, held for a sufficient time, and then cooled at an appropriate rate. During the blanking process, some materials may become bent or deformed. Simple corrections can be made using tools and methods to minimize the impact on subsequent work. However, the high temperatures during welding and the air pressure during sandblasting can cause noticeable deformation in the titanium substrate.
To address this, the board or mesh is placed on a thick steel plate, ensuring it lies flat and aligns with the corners. Another steel plate of the same size is placed on top and diagonally screwed to exert pressure. Two additional steel plates are then used to fully compress the middle plate or mesh. The assembly is then heated and shaped in a furnace at around 500 degrees. After a specific duration, the temperature is maintained for 2 hours.
5. Pickling
During the pickling process, a corrosive solution comprising various acids, such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrofluoric acid, is used. The temperature of the corrosive medium imposes high requirements on the corrosion resistance of the anti-corrosion material. Oxalic acid is mixed with boiling water according to a specific ratio, and the base material is immersed in the boiling solution. Oxalic acid effectively removes the blue scale from the substrate formed during annealing, roughens the surface, and eliminates impurities through corrosion. Careful attention must be paid during pickling to prevent the formation of titanium oxalate on the substrate's surface.
6. Preparation of precious metal solution
Within the manufacturing process, TOPTITECH prepares precious metal solutions according to customers' actual needs. Liquid preparation is typically done one day before the planned brush layer application to allow for sufficient drying time. Stirring the prepared liquid during drying prevents settling.
7. Brushing
Brushing involves applying a prepared precious metal liquid evenly onto the substrate using a brush. The coated substrate is then dried in an oven, ensuring the liquid quickly combines with the substrate and prevents any visible traces from liquid flow. In the first five brushings, a slightly higher amount of liquid can be applied to fill the substrate's surface. The back of the substrate should also receive a brushless application, ensuring even coverage and concealing the previously brushed areas, resulting in a visually appealing coating. It is important to wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated, dust-free environment, avoiding any contact with water to maintain liquid purity and surface aesthetics.
8. Baking
After drying, the plates undergo a baking process. They are placed in a preheated furnace and kept warm for a specific duration, followed by natural cooling and oxidation. This cycle of brushing, drying, heating, heat preservation, and cooling is repeated multiple times, typically ranging from 14 to 20 brushings.
