Welcome to Techlines... May 2007

Metallic Ceramic coatings normally should not be applied to Magnesium. However many customers would like to see the near chrome finish that can be achieved with Cermakrome applied to their Magnesium parts, as well as have the protective benefits. The acid in the resin will react with the metal and has prohibited the use of Cermakrome.  

Recently our Sartor Bros in South Africa has had success applying Cermakrome over TLHB. After curing TLHB they lightly and evenly etch the coating with aluminum oxide then apply a coat of Cermakrome. This allows a magnesium part to be coated and polished. 

TLHB has extremely good adhesion to metal substrates and appears to be a very good primer coat for applications where extremely high temperatures in use will not be experienced. 

VIBRATORY POLISHER WATER

The water used in polishing will have a significant impact on the polishing of Cermakrome. DO NOT use normal tap water as alkalinity present (hard water can severely inhibit polishing. In addition do not use Deionized water. In a recent test Deionized water provided a rapid formation of soap suds but did not polish properly. The problem was traced to a lack of soap volume. The rapid creation of suds with the Deionized water made it appear there was adequate soap in the solution. The parts took longer to polish and still in many places had a whitish film and some areas would not polish at all. By changing to filtered water and using more soap the problem was eliminated. It is best to use a series of filters. Use filters to remove chemical contaminants (a charcoal filter), chlorine and sediment. These types of filters are readily available at many home improvement stores, are not very expensive and are easy to plumb into your water supply.  
 
Filter all coatings 

It is highly recommended that all coatings be filtered prior to being applied. Even the best dispersion practices will not always break up agglomerates (small bundles of particles sticking together). When spraying a coating spitting and jamming can occur. It is best to filter all coatings after dispersing. Use standard paint filters or if doing larger volumes several companies make “bag” type filters that can be used.  

YOU Can Run With The BEST OR Run With The Rest ™

Send e-mail to the editor: Leonard Warren

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