Cheaper than powdercoat?? 1

[NathanLee]

Hi all! Hopefully a gracious being will aid me in my cause to provide corrosion protection (min 250 salt fog hours) on smallish steel pieces (4" x 1/2" x 1/8"). the powdercoat is great both aesthetically and functionally, however it's cost is a big minus considering the nature of the market i'm in. If anybody out there might recommend an alternative, that would be wonderful! We already YZD (yellow zinc dichromate) them so I'm aware of that option. I'm looking for something that finishes with a nice look too as the hardware product will be seen early and often by end consumers. Thanks again!!

 

[alexit]

Maybe Black Oxide is cheaper than Zinc, but not as nice looking I think...

 

[CoryPad]

Black oxide won't provide any resistance to salt fog. You should try electrocoating - it is thinner and cheaper than powdercoating, and can provide very good corrosion resistance. Try BASF and PPG.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[mshimko]

What service & perfermance are really required? I ask because all "250 hrs salt fog" means is it will hopefull last 250 hours in a salt fog chamber, and I doubt that's the actual service environment.

What's the real service, and performance desired?

 

[TVP]

As CoryPad mentioned, electrocoat is a good option to explore. Curtis Metal Finishing has a good description of the process. Use the following link for more information:

http://www.curtismetal.com/curtis/services/ecoat/index.htm

 

[NathanLee]

Thanks for the help guys (girls). It is nice to see such prompt responses. This site is great!! I'll be looking into E-coating the parts. Thanks again!