Guidelines Of Aluminum Die Casting Surface Treatment
Aluminum die casting is a manufacturing process that allows you to create hardware parts and components using the die casting method and aluminum materials. After completing this rapid manufacturing process, you can also apply the surface treatment process to improve the results of the aluminum die casting products, such as by adding corrosion-resistance properties, better aesthetics, smoother surfaces, and so on. In this guide, you will learn about the guidelines for surface treatment of aluminum die casting, with chrome plating and anodization as the surface treatment examples.
The Purpose of Aluminum Die Casting Surface Treatment
Die casting for aluminum materials is not the end of the fabrication process of aluminum. After die casting, manufacturers can still apply an additional process called surface treatment to improve the quality of the aluminum die cast. The surface treatment process for aluminum die casting can add additional surface elements to the aluminum die cast, which will add more properties to it to provide many more benefits.
For instance, you can apply the anodizing process to improve the aesthetics of the aluminum die cast, add various colors, and make the aluminum die cast much more durable. Another surface treatment process called powder coating will allow you to paint the aluminum die cast with a wide range of colors, allowing you to use it in various architectural buildings that require the best aesthetics.
Basic Surface Treatment Steps for Aluminum Die Casting
It’s important to know that before applying any surface treatment process on the aluminum die cast, you need to do certain preparations to ensure that your aluminum die cast can go through the surface treatment process with no problem. One of the most important steps is to ensure that there are no rugged edges and contaminants that exist on the aluminum surface before applying any surface treatment process to it. Here are the basic surface treatment steps for aluminum die casting:
Deburring process.
The die casting process will leave the aluminum materials to have certain sharp edges, debris, and many other “impurities” on the surface. Deburring means eliminating those sharp edges, burrs, debris, and other “impurities” from the aluminum surface, so that you can get the smoother version of the aluminum die cast products.
Conversion coating.
This is the process you need to do before applying any kind of surface treatment on the aluminum surface. Conversion coating will further prepare the aluminum surface for any finishing treatment you need to apply next. It will eliminate the contaminants, oils, and other elements from the aluminum surface to get it ready for the next step, which is the surface finishing treatment.
Surface Treatment finishing.
This is the primary process manufacturers will apply on the aluminum surface. The surface finishing processes for aluminum materials have many variations, including powder coating, anodizing, electroplating, chrome plating, and more. Powder Coating, Anodizing, Electrophoresis, how to choose?
Chrome Plating Surface Treatment
Chrome plating is a surface treatment process for aluminum die casting that involves adding chromium elements on the surface of the aluminum die cast. This surface treatment process provides the aluminum die cast with better functionality and adds some new characteristics, such as improved hardness, improved smoothness, and resistance toward certain chemicals. Here are some important aspects of chrome plating:
Hard vs. Decorative Chrome Plating
There are two types of chrome plating process, which are hard and decorative chrome plating. Hard chrome plating allows you to apply a thick layer of chromium on the aluminum surface to add a better functionality to the aluminum die cast, allowing it to perform well in various industrial applications.
Meanwhile, decorative chrome plating will add only a thin layer of chromium on the aluminum surface, which will only serve as an aesthetic improvement for the aluminum die cast. However, even with a thin layer of chromium on the aluminum surface, the decorative chrome plating can still provide the metal die casting with corrosion resistance properties.
Basic Steps in Chrome Plating Process
The chrome plating process comes in three steps. First, you will need to clean the aluminum die cast to prepare it for the chrome plating process. Second, after cleaning the aluminum die cast, you will need to put them into the chrome plating equipment and heat the equipment to reach the required temperature for this process to work.
And third, you will need to apply the electrical current on the plating equipment, which will allow the chromium plates to bond with the aluminum surface. The longer you apply the electrical current, the thicker the chrome plating will be.
Anodization Surface Treatment
What is anodizing? Anodization is a surface treatment process that allows you to add an oxide layer to the aluminum surface using the electrolytic process. Just like chrome plating, this process will involve applying electrical currents on the aluminum surface to trigger the anodization process. It can strengthen the aluminum surface and add an anti-corrosion property to it. Here are some important aspects of anodization:
Types of Aluminum Anodization
There are three types of aluminum anodization process, which are Type 1, Type 2, and Hardcoat. Type 1 anodization will create a very thin oxide layer on the aluminum surface, which will make the aluminum die cast dyeable, with a low corrosion-resistant property. Type 2 anodization will create a thicker oxide layer for the aluminum surface, making it easier for you to apply dyes on it. It also has a higher corrosion resistance level.
Hardcoat anodization will apply the thickest oxide layer on the aluminum surface, and it will also be the easiest to apply dyes to it. Aside from that, you can also get the highest level of corrosion resistance, along with the abrasion resistance property.
Anodization Steps
The steps for anodization have some similarities to the chrome plating steps. First, you need to clean the aluminum die cast from various contaminants on the surface. Second, you will need to place the aluminum die cast into the electrolytic solution. And third, you will need to apply the electrical current to trigger the anodization process.
Conclusion
Surface treatment is necessary for aluminum die casting, as it can add important properties that will improve the quality of the aluminum die cast. This is the process that will allow you to add a surface layer to the aluminum die cast to make it have better toughness, better resistance to corrosion, and better aesthetics. Following the surface treatment guidelines is important to ensure the best results for the surface treatment process on the aluminum die cast.
TEAM Rapid offers both die casting (aluminum die casting, zinc die casting) and surface treatment service. We can make your parts under one-roof, which can greatly reduce the manufacturing cost. In the past 10 years, we have helped many customers to make their rapid prototypes and parts successfully. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
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