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Nano-crystalline Sn-Co-X Alloy Alternative to Decorative Chromium Plating

The nano-crystalline Sn-Co-X(M13) plating alloy coating, intended as a alternative to decorative chromium, shows similar color and excellent corrosion.

The Right Surface Preparation for Electronic Components

As a knowledgeable metal finisher who understands the potential detrimental effects of both ionic and non-ionic residue, you can be the solution, not the source of the problem. Metal finishers who supply parts to electronic assemblers can be good partners by recognizing the importance of adequate contaminant removal.

The Study of Color Strength Measurement in Anodizing Dyes

In the past, engineers of quality assurance department matched color by eyesight or colorimeter to identify the change of hue. However, the method does not offer the best accuracy, nor does it indicate color strength. In this study, Everlight Chemical Industrial Corporation attempted to find a better measurement of the color strength and used the statistical analysis to get the estimated equation.

Zincate- or Stannate–Free Plating

For more than 80 years now the most generally accepted process for the preparation of aluminum and it alloys for plating has involved the use of a “zincate” or “stannate” processing solution. Environmental issues relative to the use of these processes are becoming more and more of a problem. The process itself is long and involved and will differ from one alloy to another. This article presents a much more environmentally acceptable alternative that is considerably easier to work with, gives far more consistent results and is more cost effective.

Electroless Nickel/Immersion Silver—A New Surface Finish for PCB Applications

This paper expands on the work conducted in 2010’s “A New Surface Finish for the Electronics Industry [2].” Process flow and the associated chemical steps will be discussed to alleviate concerns of fabrication difficulties. This work will detail additional performance characterization and discuss the surface finish performance on a production scale. The test data presented will include solderability, tarnish and corrosion resistance, aluminum wire bonding and contact performance.

Feature Profile: AR Iron LLC/AR Powder Coating Offers 'Iron Clad' Forging and Finishing

Henderson, Nev.-based captive shop supplements its sought-after decorative forging capabilities with in-house powder coating services.

Update on Accelerated Corrosion Testing

In this comprehensive refresher, Ray Singleton, president of Singleton Corp., underscores the usefulness of accelerated corrosion tests in comparison to real-world exposure, while focusing on the consistency of the results.

The Trouble With Plating Baths

Matt Stauffer, director of technical service at PAVCO, offers valuable tips and advice on matters related to common plating bath problems.

New Pretreatments and Non-Chromated Chemfilm for Magnesium Alloys

This work presents the corrosion and paint adhesion properties of a new trivalent chromium-based conversion coating technology along with three different pretreatment methods on AZ92A-T6 cast magnesium alloy.

Self-Healing, Chromate-free Conversion Coating for Magnesium Alloys

Magnesium and its alloys are increasingly being used in a wide range of applications, from aircraft to motor vehicles to consumer electronics because of the low density, high specific strength and stiffness [1-5]. However, since magnesium exhibits high chemical and electrochemical activity, its alloys suffer from poor corrosion resistance, often leading to structural or mechanical failure. Magnesium corrodes rapidly when exposed to salt water, moisture or acidic liquids or gases. Many methods have been used to protect magnesium alloys by inhibiting corrosion or slowing down the reaction mechanisms, including use of conversion coatings, anodizing, electroplating and addition of corrosion inhibitors.

A Comprehensive View of Transitioning to Phosphorus-Free Paint Pretreatment

This article chronicles the experience of a large multi-national OEM (original equipment manufacturer) of home appliances in the Far East that made the transition to a phosphorus-free pretreatment process. This supplier of hot water heaters operated a conventional zinc phosphate pretreatment system for cold rolled steel and galvanized steel parts prior to powder coating application.

Zirconium Pretreatments: Not Just for Early Adopters Anymore

Zirconium oxide conversion coatings have proven to be excellent replacements for iron phosphate pretreatments in recent years. The substantial performance, operational, and environmental benefits have been well documented.

Green ‘Bio-based’ Lubricants for Metalworking Applications

The “Go Green” mentality is making a significant impact on all elements of our society. The construction, public utilities, manufacturing, food processing, agricultural, military—even the local, state and federal governmental authorities and agencies—are starting to feel the positive effects of this changing mindset. For the sake of this article, we have suggested a couple of products specifically for the metalworking industry.

An In-Situ Phosphating Coating Catalyzed by Phenylphosphonic Acid on AA6061

The results of potentiodynamic polarization curves and salt water immersion (SWI) test reveal that phenyl phosphonic acid (PPA) as an in-situ phosphating reagent (ISPR) can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of alkyd ready-mixed paint coating formed on AA6061 in the 3.5% NaCl solution. However, the corrosion resistance of the in-situ phosphating coating (ISPC) is relevant to the contents of phenyl phosphonic acid (PPA) in alkyd ready-mixed paint coating.

Brush Plating of Tin-Zinc Alloy as an Alternative to Cadmium

SIFCO Applied Surface Concepts has developed a brush-plated deposit, Tin-Zinc, Code 4019, that provides sacrificial corrosion protection without the use of toxic chemicals.

Conversion of Plating Line Rinses to a Closed-Loop Deionization System

This paper discusses how an Upstate New York-based manufacturing company that operates a captive plating shop dramatically improved its wastewater treatment operations while reducing costs.

Using the Plackett-Burman Family of Designed Experiments for Troubleshooting Process Controls

When trouble arises in today's complex manufacturing processes, the process engineer needs to react quickly. Many times the engineer is faced with dozens, if not hundreds, of process control options to change. Using designed experiments as a tool for troubleshooting can be very effective and save both time and money in the process.

The Elimination of Whiskers from Electroplated Tin

This article describes two succesful approaches in eliminating whisker formation. Both methods dissipate the stress that is formed from the interaction of intermetallic compound formation and the inherent structure of electroplated tin.

Cadmium- and Chromate-Free Coating Schemes for Corrosion Protection of 15CDV6 Steel

Electrodeposits of cadmium- and chromate-based inorganic inhibitor pigments in paint formulations are extensively used in the aerospace industry to provide long-term corrosion protection for high-strength steel hardware. In this work, an eco-friendly cadmium- and chromate-free coating scheme comprised of zinc nickel alloy plating, trivalent chromium- based passivation, followed by a primer based on polyaniline phosphate, is studied for its anticorrosive properties.

Alternatives to Dichromate Sealer in Anodizing Operations

This paper will describe the requirements for anodizing and sealing operations within Ogden Air Logistics Center (OO-ALC), as well as the sealing technologies that are available and a path forward to demonstrate/validate the most promising alternatives for the specific needs and applications of OO-ALC.

A Novel Electrolyte for the High-Speed Electrodeposition of Bright Pure Tin at Elevated Temperatures

SOLDERONTM BHT-350 bright pure tin, a newly developed electroplating process, is presented. The most notable characteristic of this MSA-based electrolyte is its capability to be operated at temperatures up to 50°C.

Effect of Cerium Chloride on the Corrosion Resistance and Adhesion of Chromate Conversion Coatings

The corrosion resistance of the CCC formed on AA6061 in a chromate conversion solution composed mainly of potassium dichromate, chromic anhydride and sodium fluoride is significantly improved by addition, compared with that of the CCC formed in chromate conversion solution without cerium chloride.

PFOS-Free Electroplating and Etching

The adoption of alternative PFOS-free additives, such as MacDermid’s MiniMist Liquid, offers the easiest path to the future and involves no significant investment.

Gold Post-Dip to Improve Corrosion-Resistance Properties

Comprehensive test results have been presented for a new, patented gold post-dip treatment that significantly improves the corrosion resistance of nickel/gold deposits and contributes to the reduction of gold costs.

Trivalent Chromium for Enhanced Corrosion Protection on Aluminum Surfaces

A promising alternative to chromate conversion coatings on aluminium is the trivalent chromium–based environmentally friendly conversion coating. This new trivalent chromium process provides high corrosion protection and good paint adhesion while meeting the stringent requirements of military specifications