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Abstract

Metal components that require anodic coating or anodizing, may also require some surfaces of the component to be free of the anodic coating for the purpose of conductivity. The presence of the anodic coating on surfaces of the component that require conductivity would make those surface more electrically resistant or nonconductive. A combination of a gas pocket or air bubble to create a barrier to anodizing in a cavities of a workpiece (or in a cavity created by a conformal compression material) and the use of a (e.g., compressible) mask/seal material to mask off other surfaces though a gasket sealing function, is used. The mask/seal material may be compressed and makes a seal of some surfaces using pressure from clamping or pressure mechanisms. At least two opposing surfaces are masked by the compressive mask/seal material on one end and a gas pocket on the other end. The gas pocket will allow the anode to make firm electrical contact with the workpiece. The unmasked surfaces of the workpiece will be contacted by the electrolyte and consequently anodized. These anodized surfaces will have more electrical resistance (e.g., have higher resistance, and might even be non-conductive) than the masked surfaces that were not anodized. Further, the selectively anodized surfaces can be colored, seal, or have other conventional post anodizing processes applied.

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First Claim