Surface Treatment

Powder Coating

· Corrosion resistance depends on type of material used and pre-treatment process

· Surface must be pre-treated before powder coat or part will be at risk of corrosion and adhesion issues

· Chips or incomplete coverage adds to risk of corrosion

· Can range from 70 to 150μm

· Thicker than traditional liquid paint

· Improves appearance

· Various colors and textures available

· Heat cured finish

· Material composition and pre-treatment may have enhanced abrasion resistance

· Creates a hard finish that resists abrasion well

E-Coating

· Good corrosion resistance

· Provides physical and chemical barrier to corrosion

· Typically 10 to 25μm but can be more

· Often used to increase surface thickness

· Thickness of application is uniform

· Good durability

· Heat cured finish

· Good longevity

Zinc Plating

· Provides physical barrier to corrosion

· Acts as a sacrificial anode to prevent corrosion

· Parts can sustain minor damage and remain corrosion resistant

· Can range from 5 to 25μm

· If use as an undercoat for other finishes, poor adhesion

· Best for detailed surfaces and not heavy-duty applications

· Very strong finish

· Highly durable to abrasion

Anodizing

· Good corrosion resistance

· Commonly used for saltwater or marine environments

· Ranges from 0.5 to 15μm

· Hard, wear resistant finish

· Often used for parts that come in frequent contact with other material

Passivation

· Good corrosion resistance through an inert, oxide layer

· The process removes free iron from the surface leaving a thin and transparent oxide film

· Does not change durability or abrasion resistance