Appliance Design - October 2008 - (Page 36)

COATINGS CONQUERING CORROSION Fig. 1. Electroceramic coated parts and components. Electroceramic finish allows material substitution. T by mark w. ziehm Mark W. Ziehm is market development manager at Henkel Corp., Rocky Hill, Conn. 36 applianceDESIGN October 2008 he appliance industry has long relied on surface treatment chemistries such as zinc phosphate and electro-coating technologies to properly clean, conversion coat, and paint metal substrates. These surface treatments create and sustain a lasting quality finish and help prevent corrosion to enhance the aesthetics of finished goods and the working life of inner components. A new multi-functional coating technology has recently been introduced to the appliance industry. Electroceramic coating allows manufactures and suppliers to achieve a combination of chemical, corrosion, temperature, and abrasion resistance many times greater than those of traditional coatings. Along with increased performance results, this technology can aid manufacturers in reducing parts and processing costs associated with creating a lasting finish. This new coating process extends the life of parts exposed to harsh operating conditions. It delivers a ceramic toughness that is flexible and durable and one that can lower part and system costs. Introduced by Henkel Corp. as Alodine® EC2™ , the electroceramic coating technol- ogy is designed to work on most light metal surfaces such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, and aluminized, aluminum-plated and IVD or Ion Vapor Deposition aluminum substrates. The coating is also suitable for aluminized ferrous materials. Based on a titanium analog of electrodeposited oxides, electroceramic coating forms a protective layer of titanium oxide ceramic that resists corrosion, increases wear resistance, and reduces surface friction of the finished coated surface. As the ceramic layer of this coating provides a smooth finish, parts generally have a soft feel similar to that of a finished ground surface. Naturally flexible and tough, electroceramic coating provides a protective barrier that resists chips and flakes. As tested with a gravelometer, electroceramic coating protection is far superior to the protection of e-coat and paint. The finish itself appears light metallic grey in color and is aesthetically pleasing, requiring no post-application chemical, thermal or infrared cure. For end use applications where color www.applianceDESIGN.com http://www.applianceDESIGN.com

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Appliance Design - October 2008 Contents Editorial Shipments/Forecasts News Watch Prototyping - Materials Play the Part Prototyping - Mix & Match Motors Electronics Coatings Design Marts Association Report: AHRI Advertiser's Index

Appliance Design - October 2008

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