CHEM-FILM

What is a Conversion coating?
For any coating to achieve it’s full protective properties organic coatings require the metal surface to be pre-treated to provide a surface chemical film. These coatings are so named because a surface film is formed by a chemical reaction. This Chemical Film becomes an integral part of the metal surface involving virtually no dimensional change. The conversion coatings form an ideal substrate for powder coatings and paints, providing a clean, essentially inert surface, which gives optimum adhesion.

Phosphate Coatings
Phosphate coatings are processes of chemical conversion on a metal surface to produce thin adherent phosphate compound coatings. This coating forms a microscopic profile that provides superior adhesion and corrosion protection when applied prior t powder coating.  Iron phosphate coatings are usually applied to carbon steel, low-alloy steel, and cast iron. Here at DIFRUSCIA INDUSTRIES INC, the use of phosphate prior to powder coating is standard operating procedure. The Phosphate processes are hard to apply on high alloys for these alloys are likely immune to the phosphoric acid and chromates are a more suitable option. In short, phosphate is one of the most useful non-metallic coatings.

Chromate Coatings
Chromate coatings, similar to phosphate coatings, are processes of chemical conversion. But the chromate coatings are formed by the reaction from solutions of chromic acid or chromium salts. The coatings can be applied to aluminum, zinc, cadmium, and magnesium. These coatings usually have good atmospheric corrosion resistance. Most organic coatings applied directly to Aluminum surfaces will not adhere well, and if subjected to any deformation, they will tend to flake off exposing the bare Aluminum. Scratching off the paint surface would also provide a nucleation site for Aluminum corrosion and further undercutting of the coating.

Applications
The application of Chromated Aluminum can cover a wide range of functions.
Conversion coating can provide mild wear resistance, better drawing or forming characteristics and may be used to provide as a decorative finish and is also ideal for pre-treatment prior to Powder Coating.

The DFI Process
The successful application of these conversion process requires the Aluminum to be clean and free from organic soils, oxides and corrosion products. When you receive your parts back, these chemical treatments are undetectable to the naked eye. Rest assured that here at DIFRUSCIA INDUSTRIES INC, we prepare your parts for the most severe environment. We have the facilities to blast, strip, prep and finish your parts with the most durable coatings available on the market today.