surface-treatment

One adds a layer of metal, the other grows a layer of oxide. Learn when to electroplate steel and when to anodize aluminum for your engineering projects.

Demystifying the chemistry and application of chromate conversion coatings. Understand how they seal zinc plating, protect bare aluminum (Chem-Film), and why the industry transitioned from hexavalent to trivalent formulations.

Understand the hot black oxide process for steel. Learn why this conversion coating is prized for tight-tolerance tooling, and why it must always be oiled to prevent immediate rusting.

A comprehensive guide to standard (Type II) aluminum anodizing. Learn how the electrochemical process works, why certain alloys anodize better than others, and the science behind dyeing aluminum.