poweder coat after heat treat?

[nikabele]

Any one know if it is okay to powder coat after heat treating an aluminum frame?

[alward25]

yes it is fine.  you can also cook it it a lower temp longer.  Like instead of 375 or 400 for 10 min after part is up to temp, you could do 275 for 20 min. 

Alex

[nikabele]

What's a rough estimate on the cost of heat treating an aluminum frame?

[jBernard]

i never could get an answer on the cost. most places wont touch one off stuff like that. they are used to running massive ovens full of the same type object.
also, getting an answer on WHICH treatment process is best is a toss up. aging, solution, precipitation, ect.

this is probably the reason 99% dont mess with it, and on frames that ive seen fail, looks like design or weld quality is the culprit.