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The metal back is black, and Apple is calling it stainless steel.
What process might/did they use to make it black? Plating? Paint?
I *like* it. I don't remember the first version have a black metal case. The new version is mighty pretty.
I'm not a fan of the etching on the reverse side, though.
Glass beading and Krylon?
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How did they color the iPod Minis?
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Possibly a plating process to make it black. The mini's were aluminum, the color is anodized on.
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U2 is not black metal, BTW
Now *that* would be an interesting genre.
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Andy is right-- anodizing aluminum is easy.
I have no idea what stainless requires.
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I am not aware of any method to "anodize" stainless steel...
Aluminum, yes.
IF (and I stress IF) it's made of stainless, then TiCN (Titanium Carbo-nitride) comes to mind as the fastest way to blacken stainless for a decorative finish.
One could also flash-plate it with iron and use traditional hot-dip blueing to color it but that may end up more expensive due to the process.
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I guess know one reads my threads!
It can be done.
But I would say it is powder coated.
BGnR
