Engineers continually face two issues that affect equipment components and can cause major problems in operation and safety: galling and wear. What can be done? Read the rest of this entry »
Hardcoat anodizing an aluminum alloy is often a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to using another material like chrome, stainless steel, or steel hardened in a salt bath. The reason: hardcoat and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-penetrated hardcoat anodizing create a hard, corrosion- and abrasion-resistant oxide coating on aluminum alloys which, when combined with high dielectric strength, provide optimum performance in many applications. Read the rest of this entry »
A few weeks ago we took a look at the value of fluoropolymer coatings and the general treatment process. Now we explain additional advantages and applications of polytetrafluoroethylene. Read the rest of this entry »
As its name implies, electroless nickel (EN) plating requires no electrical current. The process deposits a nickel alloy with one to 12 percent phosphorus to achieve a uniform continuous coating. Such uniformity means that blind holes, threads, channels, and recessed internal areas receive the same amount of plating as sharp corners, edges, and flat surfaces, which means that Nimet Industries can reduce total “as plated” thickness and maintain close tolerances. Such uniformity also means increased corrosion resistance. Read the rest of this entry »
When parts are initially designed, they are typically prepared with the machinist in mind. The designs often do not factor in the plating process and allow for the build-up of the plating until the part is completely machined. If critical dimensions are not adjusted during machining, the part will probably need to be selectively plated. Read the rest of this entry »
Materials Engineering in September 1991 ran an article titled “Synergistic Fluoropolymer Coatings,” which discusses the advantages of the combined processes of metal anodization and infusion of fluoropolymers. Although the article, written by Tim Stevens, is nearly 20 years old, its basic precepts and data remain relevant, so we offer an overview of the article here. Read the rest of this entry »
Clear and hardcoat are types of anodic finish that result from traditional anodizing processes. Hardcoat anodizing produces an oxide coating that is denser and thicker than clear anodize. Clear anodizing producing a nearly clear oxide coating that is usually less than 0.0010” thick and is usually sealed to improve corrosion protection. Read the rest of this entry »
When it comes to anodization, the specification sets the standard by defining the testing and quality assurance requirements. Nimet Industries has an intimate understanding of the various specifications and follows them to produce high quality results that serve our customers well. If your company has its own specifications, we can work with those, too. Read the rest of this entry »
In our first few blog posts we’re covering the basics of anodizing. Our last post provided an overview of what anodizing is, what processes may be involved, and the proprietary finishes that Nimet offers. Read the rest of this entry »
What is Anodizing?
Simply put, anodizing is a process that changes an aluminum surface to aluminum oxide. It increases wear resistance, and the various types (e.g. hardcoat anodizing) have additional benefits like corrosion resistance. Read the rest of this entry »
