Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 48
PLATING AND ANODIZING: THERMAL CONTROL
THINKING SMART
FOR THERMAL CONTROL
IN METAL FINISHING
BY OWEN HURST
A
s we look again at thermal control
in metal finishing this year, I draw
your attention back to several points
in last year's thermal control article,
Thermal Control in Metal Finishing, that will be
the focus of this article. Last year it was stated
that, " Today's higher demands on accurate
process temperature control in plating tanks,
documentations, and safety concerns, require
the use of digital temperature controls. " 1
The
drive for digital temperature controls provide
a distinct advantage, in most instances, over
previous methods of control that could lack
accuracy and required constant physical
monitoring.
In a 2021 Thermal Control article, it was also
emphasized that, " Correct process temperature
and safety concerns in chemical plating tanks
require
constant
temperature
monitoring. " 2
It is correct that temperature control and the
ability to overcome physical/manual control is
the ultimate goal for these systems. When done
right, it can improve operations and production,
minimize product loss and downtime, and
provide remote monitoring and control. Our
focus here will not be on the varying types
and needs of metal finishes or their various
processes. It is understood that metal processing types require
different equipment and that correct temperature control is
critical to the properties of the finish, the thickness of the coating,
and even proper colour configurations.3
What we can note is that as processes continue to be improved,
and coatings and finishes are refined and move into new markets,
there will be an increased need for more accurate temperature
control. A good example is to briefly look at how anodizing has
evolved, and the various processes required to ensure the correct
level of surface emissivity is met for the intended application.
48
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Thin anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) film is
continually being refined for a variety of uses
that more advanced methods of processing
demand.
For example, the US military has categorized
anodic coatings into three types based on their
application potential and properties, which
are primarily determined upon thickness.
These include Type I (chromic acid anodizing),
ultra-thin film, < 17 μm, Type II (sulfuric acid
anodizing), < 25 μm, and Type III (hard anodic
coating), <115 μm.
To achieve accurate and consistent surface
emissivity, regardless of the desired thickness,
consistent and accurate control is critical. The
difficulty, at times, is factoring in that many
anodizing principles remain consistent while
other considerations can fluctuate to obtain
desired surface strength and appearance. When
considering hard anodizing, it is noted that it,
" Complied with the same obtains principles as
well as decorative and protection anodization,
the difference is that hard anodizing is achieved
at low temperatures and high intensity of electric
current " .4
With a recognition on how essential
proper control of temperature is for advanced
anodizing we can turn our attention to how advancing your
control infrastructure will enhance your operations and help
metal finishers meet demands and conform to industry standards
and environmental regulations.5
The options for control systems and control panels for your
heating and cooling needs has grown exponentially in recent
years. Immersion heaters that were once controlled by simple
dials and required additional temperature monitoring now have
the capability to deliver heat and circulation and provide output
of data through devices like thermocouple sensors.6
We have all used the term 'SMART' in reference to our phones
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Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 1
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 2
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 3
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 4
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 5
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 6
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 7
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 8
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 9
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 10
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 11
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 12
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 13
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 14
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 15
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 16
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 17
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 18
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 19
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 20
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 21
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 22
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 23
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 24
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 25
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 26
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 27
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 28
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 29
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 30
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 31
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 32
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 33
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 34
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 35
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 36
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 37
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 38
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 39
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 40
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 41
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 42
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 43
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 44
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 45
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 46
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 47
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 48
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 49
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 50
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 51
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 52
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 53
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 54
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 55
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 56
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 57
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 58
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 59
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 60
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 61
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 62
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 63
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing Magazine January/February 2022 - 64
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