Anodizing and Chromate Conversions

Electro-Chem Metal Finishing, Inc.
Call Us Today! (503) 234-2003
Quality Aluminum Finishing Since 1959

Contact Information

Electro-Chem
4849 SE 26th Ave.
Portland, OR 97202

Call Us At 

Fax: (503) 233-8626
Since 1959, Electro-Chem Metal Finishing, Inc in Portland, OR has been an industry leader in providing high quality finishes on aluminum. We offer attractive and protective coatings on aluminum surfaces. Electro-Chem has a very comprehensive range of racking techniques giving us the ability to handle everything from tiny components to parts up to 20 ft. in length in some finishes.
Anodizing is a very versatile, useful option for protecting aluminum. The Aluminum Anodizing Council describes Anodizing as follows.
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. The anodic oxide structure originates from the aluminum substrate and is composed entirely of aluminum oxide. This aluminum oxide is not applied to the surface like paint or plating, but is fully integrated with the underlying aluminum substrate, so it cannot chip or peel. It has a highly ordered, porous structure that allows for secondary processes such as coloring and sealing. http://www.anodizing.org/?page=what_is_anodizing
As an alternative to anodizing, Electro-Chem also offers various chromate conversion coatings. Chromate conversion coatings provide corrosion-resistance to aluminum while retaining electrical conductivity. Chromate conversion coatings are also used as a base to allow better paint adhesion. Chromate conversion coatings do lack the durability of anodized finishes.
Anodic Coating (Anodize, Alumilite)
According to AMS/MIL-A-8625 Type II (Class 1 or Class 2) or ASTM B 580 (B, C, D, or E)
High corrosion, abrasion, and electrical resistance. - RoHS Compliant - AMS 2471 or AMS 2472
  • Clear Anodize (.0003") - Good abrasion and corrosion protection. (Maximum length = 20')
  • Architectural Class II Clear (.0004" minimum) - Excellent abrasion and corrosion protection, high electrical resistance.
  • Architectural Class I Clear (.0007" minimum) - Higher abrasion and corrosion protection, higher electrical resistance.
  • Maximum Clear (.0008" minimum) - Highest abrasion and corrosion protection, highest electrical resistance, recommended for marine applications.
  • Note: some alloys may develop a slight cream to yellow tint with thicker clear anodize coatings.
  • Gold .0004-.0006” Non-fading mineral impregnation, extremely weather resistant, architectural quality. (Maximum length = 20’)
  • Black .0006-.0008” Excellent light fastness, architectural quality. (Maximum length = 16’)
  • Blue .0004-.0006” Exact color match batch to batch can be difficult, excellent light fastness. (Maximum length = 12’)
  • Red .0004-.0006" Exact color match can be difficult, not recommended for outdoor applications. (Maximum length = 7’)
NOTE: All anodized parts are nickel acetate sealed, unless “no seal” is requested.

Chromate Conversion Coatings (Chem Film, Chromicoat, Alodine, Irridite)

According to AMS/MIL-DTL-5541
Corrosion protection and paint adhesion with good electrical conductivity, but with low abrasion resistance.
Hexavalent Chromium (Chrome VI) Conversion Coatings (Type I): According to ASTM B 449, AMS 2473 or AMS 2477
  • Clear Chromate excellent electrical conductivity, light corrosion protection, fair paint adhesion. (Maximum length = 15’)
  • Yellow Chromate good corrosion protection, excellent paint base. (Maximum length = 15’)
Trivalent Chromium (TCP) Conversion Coating (Type II) - RoHS, WEEE and ELV Compliant - According to ASTM B 921 (Maximum length = 12’)

Minimum Lot Charges:

  • Trivalent Chromate Conversion Coating (Type II, RoHS compliant) $30.00
  • Hexavalent Chromate Conversion Coating (Type I) $30.00
  • Standard Class 1 Clear Anodize (.0004” minimum) $40.00
  • Architectural Class 1 Clear Anodize (.0007” Minimum) $50.00
  • Maximum Clear Anodize (.0008” Minimum) $50.00
  • Gold Anodize $50.00
  • Black Anodize $50.00
  • Red or Blue Anodize $60.00
Learn More
To learn more about our RoHS compliant coatings, certifications and additional services
click here.
Large aluminium cylinders
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