By Hopper Labs

In Titanium

Posted April 29, 2017

The Titanium Grasshopper comes in six unique finishes. The plain machined Titanium, and anodized, Blue, Green, Purple, Bronze and Dark Grey. The colors are created using a specialized process known as anodization. Parts are placed in an ion-rich bath while an electric current is applied. This begins the process of building an oxide layer over the material. By adjusting voltage and time, the color achieved can be accurately controlled.

Anodization has been around since the 1920s. Originally used to increase the corrosion resistance of materials, it quickly became popular for its aesthetic appeal. The process builds an oxide layer on the metal which can refract or absorb light to produce color. The interference between the individual wavelengths of light causes some of them to cancel, others to be amplified. It is this interference of light alone that creates the color we see.

Pros:

-No pigment used

-Safe for high-temperature applications

-Increased corrosion resistance

-Non-toxic

Cons:

-Narrow range of colors

- Specialized Process

-Color affected by oils

Providing the safest and most durable colorization possible was a top priority for Hopper Labs. Anodizing was the obvious choice, allowing us to build standout devices with lasting color. To do this, HL works closely with a high-tech anodizing company in the United States

If you own a Titanium anodized Hopper, you might notice that the color can become dull or spotty with handling. The oil from your skin will deposit on the oxide layer and cause the light to refract differently. A quick wipe down with isopropyl alcohol will remove the oil, returning you hopper to its original color.