Alodine, also know as Conversion Coating, is generally a thinner coating than anodizing. Typically it is used to prepare metals for other applications such as a clean finish for painting, as well as a corrosion-resistant finish to protect the base metal. At times, customers may choose this type of coating depending on the base metal to help retain electrical conductivity.
Alodine is an Eco-friendly alternative to chrome plating. Currently, run on our Small Tank line only.
Base metals are washed with a commercial soap to clean away oils and other surface debris.
Base metal is submerged in a cold rinse tank where commercial soap and surface debris are washed away.
Base metal is submerged in a sodium hydroxide based etch that takes away surface imperfections, scratches, minor scuffs, etc.
Base metal goes through a cold and warm rinse to remove sodium hydroxide based etch chemicals.
Deoxidizer is used to remove any film left from the etching process, leaving the metal brighter.
A cold rinse is used to remove leftover deoxidizer from the base metal to prepare it for the anodizing process. This is the final step in the cleaning process.
The thoroughly cleaned base metal is then submerged in the chromate conversion coating.