Plasma electrolytic oxidation to replace anodizing for generating oxide coatings on metals!

Posted by samrojseo on October 25th, 2014

Just as there are techniques to soften metal parts, there are also methods to thicken the surface of these parts. A technology responsible for such an output is known as anodizing. It increases resistance of the metal from possible corrosion as well as wear and tear. The process renders better adhesive capacities for primers or paints.

While working with bare metal, anodizing adds value for glue work. There are different processes used for anodizing depending upon the material used to finalize the output or the metal. Some of the most common examples of materials used in the process are-

• Sulfuric acid is the most popular among all anodizing solutions. The output may range from thin coatings like those produced by chromic acid to thicker ones.
  
  

• Chromic acid is the oldest form of anodizing process which produces a thinner, denser, softer and more flexible output. Usually, they are more difficult to dye than any other material of the process.
  
  

• Borate and tartrate baths are the techniques in which output depends upon the voltage applied to the material. It is largely used during the creation of electrolytic capacitors.
  
  

• Plasma electrolytic oxidation is quite similar toanodizing but it requires higher voltages comparatively and the process may also cause a spark and may lead to a more crystalline output.

• Organic acid to replace the use of oxalic acid in the completion of the process. It produces colors within the shades of yellow including gold, brown and deep bronze. There is no further need to repaint the output.
  
  

• Phosphoric acid is commonly employed to prepare the underlying surface for adhesives.

Plasma electrolytic oxidation occurs for several metals like titanium, tantalum, zinc, magnesium, niobium and zinc but dying and sealing are the most important factors in the process. This process though is very dependent on what substrate is used along with the composition of the electrolyte and electrical regime used.

While plasma electrolytic oxidation allows for harder metals, replicating the unique properties of diamonds is difficult.  Diamonds is still the hardest natural substance in existence and it takes diamond powder to cut diamonds and diamond polishing compounds in order to help polish it to its finalized form.  As plasma electrolytic oxidation, or known as microarc oxidation becomes more advanced, expect for higher quality metals to be produces with even greater hardness and coatings that are more resistant to corrosion, wear, and heat.

Demeter Technologies is a technology solutions producer for its global customers.  Adhering to strict material specifications and I9001 quality, Demeter provides the highest quality products servicing the surface materials, Optical Surfacing Supplies, medical, and energy and storage markets.