Why would you pick over over the other?

I've got a set of rear sets from Storz that came in raw, machined aluminum, but i want them black. My first thought was that they should be anodized - not sure why I think that. But then someone said that anodizing fades and that powder coating would hold up better.

The billet triple trees I recently purchased look like they've been anodized, and I have some powder coated parts on the bike. I guess I always thought billet stuff looked better anodized (anodizing, if I understand correctly, soaks into the porous aluminum) because it doesn't seem to build up as much on the parts as powder coating does - highlight the beauty of the machine work.

Anybody in the know can shed some light on this topic for me?

Cheers,
-Jack

 

Colored anodizing will fade over time.I believe the build up is about .0001-.0002"per side with a minimal penetration.This all depends on how long it is plated.
Powder coating is a more durable coating which builds up much thicker than a chemical plating.
All depends on what look you want.

 

Powder coat is much much more durable. Now days you can get it in just about any shade. They even have one that works like a candy. I goes on over another color for a color tint. Anodizing fades pretty bad over a short period of time. It also scratches easy.

 

I also depends on the look you are after.

Hard Mil Spec anodizing with last a long time. (ie M16 magazine clips)

Power Coating lots of colors and textures now. But the longevity all depends on surface prep and pre coating. Bad prep and it will peel off like plastic.

 

Even mil spec anodizing will wear.....quickly.

 

Hard anodizing is used alot in the aviation industry.A lot of these parts(aluminum)will also get an epoxy coating or even powder coating on top of the anodizing.
The wear areas are normally fitted with bushings,bearings,thread inserts,etc.

 

hey bud, we powder anidized colors all the time! why not just have us powder them in the anodized you want them done in?

 

Had no idea you could do that. I thought they were 2 separate processes. Learned something new today, I guess.

 

they are two seperate processes but we have powder that is a spot on match for anidized colors... as well as chromes, golds, etc... sky is the limit with powder

 

i have had many pieces powder coated for the farm and other cars i have built and without a doubt in my eyes go with powder