Cooperstock
Aluminum
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2015
Hello,
I am looking into the possibility of having the in-house ability for aluminum surface conversion treatment for some of the parts we make. We focus on small quantity of parts usually fast turn (days) for R&D. One of the customers want to have their aluminum parts 'Alodined' rather than painted or polished.
From what I have read:
Hexavalent Chromimum conversion (type 1, Trade name alodine): Chemically Very bad stuff, usually requires heated baths, gives the yellow/gold color. Different process for class 1A and class 3
Trivalent chromium conversion (type 2): not nearly as bad chemically, doesn't seem to require heating (although Henkel systems do seem to use heating). No process change for Class 1A and Class 3. Pretty much colorless finish. Not as durable as the type 1.
Comments
1. Parts are usually smaller than 12" x 6" x 3"
2. It would be low quantity (a hand full of parts a month)
3. I am considering doing it because of the lead time addition for sending it out, since they want fast turn around.
4. Most aluminum has been 6061
5. I have no intention of offering this as a service to external parts, just what I make.
Is this even worth considering or is it just a big PITA?
Do any of you do it and have a recommendation for a system? It seems like Henkel has many options of chemicals for each of the steps.
I would like the trivalent method, hazardously speaking, but I do think the customer will be slow to grow on the idea of the aluminum parts not being 'gold'.
Thanks for any insight!
I am looking into the possibility of having the in-house ability for aluminum surface conversion treatment for some of the parts we make. We focus on small quantity of parts usually fast turn (days) for R&D. One of the customers want to have their aluminum parts 'Alodined' rather than painted or polished.
From what I have read:
Hexavalent Chromimum conversion (type 1, Trade name alodine): Chemically Very bad stuff, usually requires heated baths, gives the yellow/gold color. Different process for class 1A and class 3
Trivalent chromium conversion (type 2): not nearly as bad chemically, doesn't seem to require heating (although Henkel systems do seem to use heating). No process change for Class 1A and Class 3. Pretty much colorless finish. Not as durable as the type 1.
Comments
1. Parts are usually smaller than 12" x 6" x 3"
2. It would be low quantity (a hand full of parts a month)
3. I am considering doing it because of the lead time addition for sending it out, since they want fast turn around.
4. Most aluminum has been 6061
5. I have no intention of offering this as a service to external parts, just what I make.
Is this even worth considering or is it just a big PITA?
Do any of you do it and have a recommendation for a system? It seems like Henkel has many options of chemicals for each of the steps.
I would like the trivalent method, hazardously speaking, but I do think the customer will be slow to grow on the idea of the aluminum parts not being 'gold'.
Thanks for any insight!
