Aluminum Conversion Coating

Aluminum Chromate Conversion Coatings per MIL-C-5541 (MIL-DTL-5541) and ASTM B449-93

Chromate Conversion Coating (also commonly referred to as Chemical Film, Chem Film, Alodine or Iridite) converts the surface properties of the substrate (typically aluminum or magnesium) as compared to plating which applies a coating onto the surface of the substrate. Chromate provides excellent corrosion resistance, is conductive and results in no measurable buildup (0.00001”- 0.00003”) on the parts. Chromate conversion coatings are the most widely used coating for corrosion protection of Aluminum and Aluminum alloys minimizing surface oxidation. It is commonly used for an undercoat for paint or adhesive applications due to the excellent bonding properties it provides. Class 1A coatings give maximum corrosion protection with the highest electrical surface resistance while class 3 coatings have lower corrosion protection and provide lower electrical surface resistance.

DFI applies both standard hexavalent (clear and yellow) and RoHS compliant Trivalent (TCP) to Aluminum and Magnesium alloys.

Both Hexavalent and Trivalent films at DFI have passed initial 336 hour salt spray testing and are subject to monthly 168 hour salt spray testing as well as paint adhesion testing conforming to all specifications. MIL-C-5541E, MIL-DTL-5541F, ASTM B 449-93 (2004), AMS 2473G, AMS 2474D and MIL-DTL-81706B.

The Trivalent Chromium Process (TCP) provides a non-hexavalent chrome coating compliant with RoHS, ELV and WEEE directives. It compares favorably with the hexavalent coatings providing a conversion coating that fulfills the corrosion, paint and electrical requirements of the different specifications.