Plating, MIL-DTL-5541 & Other Finishing
Metal finishes primarily act to prevent rust and other forms of oxidation on metalwork. Service Metal Fabricators plates or applies your specified chemical conversion coatings to your satisfaction every time. We source our plating and conversion coating supplies only from authorized vendors ensuring optimal performance of your chosen coating for the life of your product in the field.
Some frequently referenced chemical process standards include:
- M
IL-DTL-5541 or ASTM B449: Most common standard for aluminum parts receiving Chromate Conversion Coating, also known as Alodine and Iridite - MIL-A-8625: Standards for Anodizing Aluminum
- MIL-TT-490 or AMS03_11A: Standards for Phoscoat Treatment of Steel
- MIL STD 171 or ASTM B633: Standards for Zinc Plating
- Coating spec sheets for industrial & defense leaders like GE, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, and many more
MIL-DTL-5541 or ASTM B449
The common denominator with these processes is the deposition of a thin, durable film layer to substrate metals that protect them from oxidation. Phoscoating deposits iron phosphate, zinc phosphate, or others to steel to prevent rust.
In the case of aluminum alloys, chromates in one of several forms provide the chemical film suited to inhibit oxidation of aluminum substrates, which appears not as the signature red rust of steel, but as a white discoloration of the metal. Type I Chromate Conversion developed first and utilized hexavalent chromium. Type II emerged second and employs trivalent chromium to provide protection. Both types effectively inhibit oxidation. Only Type II has the benefit of complying with RoHS or the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive and has, therefore, seen significant adoption, but both remain relevant for their protection of the aluminum enclosures housing your electronics and other products.
More on Finishings and Plating
Besides preventing oxidation, these processes can provide other benefits to metal. Anodic coatings, for example, frequently get used to create non-conductivity in metal, as required for a particular product design. Aesthetically speaking, anodizing also creates a sleek look in various color options that sometimes contribute to a product’s signature look. The same can be said for bright zinc plating and, to a lesser extent, with chromate coatings as well.
Service Metal proudly offers in-house all the plating and finishing processes that address the vast majority of metalwork. We also have the relationships with certified providers of more exotic finishing processes, along with knowledge of when to employ their specialized expertise, to ensure your product’s appearance, durability, and functionality all exceed your expectations.
RoHS Compliant
As a company committed to meeting our customers’ needs, SMF provides RoHS-compliant finishes and coatings. These finishes are free of lead, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals, allowing us to help keep your company in compliance with any and all directives on such substances.