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TYPE II (SOFT) ANODIZE
Type II anodize provides a thin coating between 0.0002”-0.0008”. Generally used for cosmetic parts than need bright unique colors. Type II anodizing is process controlled well enough to maintain tolerances down to few ten thousandths of an inch. PTFE coatings can be applied if needed to add lubricity. (please see color selectionpage for available colors. APA can match custom colors if requested.)
for our Anodizing guidelines.
SERVICES
TYPE III (HARD) ANODIZE
Type III Anodizing commonly known as a hard coat anodize is a much thicker coating. Generally hard coat anodize is applied to parts known to need extra abrasion resistance as well as maintain corrosion resistance. Firearms and aerospace components use this process regularly. Vibrant colors except for black are difficult to achieve as the nature of hard anodize darkens the tone of the part before the dying process.
for out Anodizing Guidelines.
TEFLON SEAL
SPECIFICATIONS: MIL-A-63576, TYPE I
COMMON NAMES: PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Impregnation
DESCRIPTION: A transparent coating that reduces friction and increases durability for aluminum that comes into contact with corrosive chemicals. Frequently used with Hard Anodize.
DI WATER SEAL
COMMON NAMES: Deionized Water Seal, Hot DI Water Seal, Boiling DI Water Seal
DESCRIPTION: Can be applied after anodize in order to clean out impurities and increase the strength of the coating.
NICKEL ACETATE SEAL
DESCRIPTION: All anodize at APA is processed using our standard Nickel Acetate Seal unless specifically requested. This sealant can be used on it's own or in conjunction with other sealants. It's used to increase corrosion resistance, protect the organic dye in Class 2 Anodize, and from smut and fingerprints.
YELLOW CHROMATE
Commonly known as Hexavalent Chromium Conversion, Yellow chromate, Chemical Film, Chem film, Alodine or Iridite, is a non ROHS compliant chromate film that is applied for a variety of different applications. A thin layer (0.00001”-0.00003”) is applied to aluminum for corrosion resistance, electrical resistance, or as preparation for powdercoat or painting.
MIL SPECS:
MIL-DTL-5541, Class 1A
MIL-DTL-5541, Class 3
MIL-DTL-5541, Type 1, Class 1A
MIL-DTL-5541, Type I, Class 3
CLEAR CHROMATE
Known as Trivalent Chromium Conversion, Clear chromate, Chemical film, Chem film, Alodine or Iridite. Clear chromate is ROHS compliant and provides a clear thin film on the aluminum part. Clear chromate provides very similar properties to yellow chromate without the yellowish color.
MIL SPECS:
MIL-DTL-5541, Type II, Class 3
MIL-DTL-5541, Type II, Class 1A
PASSIVATE
Used on a variety of different stainless steel alloys, passivation is a non-electrolytic finishing process that removes free iron from the surface of the metal to help prevent rust.
MEDIA BLASTING
Media Blasting is offered in sand, glass, and ceramic and shot peen. Please contact APA for specific finish requirements to determine what media is right for you. We can special order media if requested. We offer automated and manual blasting for a high quality finish on complex parts.
Current sand blasting machines;
2 Sand blast booths
2 Glass bead booths
2 Ceramic bead booths
3 Automated tumble blasters
1 Automated shot peen machine.
LASER MARKING
Removes a thin layer of material, anodize, or other plating to create images, text, or leave areas electrically conductive. Useful for the marking of custom company logos, part numbers, and other artwork. We specialize in the etching and marking of anodized aluminum, leaving a white mark. We also laser mark stainless steel which leaves a darker mark that provides more contrast in comparison to the lighter color mark made on bare aluminum. With 4 laser marking machines we can handle any volume job needed.
BRIGHT DIP
APA’s non streak bright dip provides a bright finish with a more reliable even finish compared to traditional bright dip solutions. Commonly used for cosmetic parts that need to have a bright and vibrant color. The effectiveness of this process is dependent on types of alloys used.
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PLUGGING
For thru holes and blind holes that have a tight tolerance that need to be free of anodize. Silicone plugs can be used to achieve this. APA offers a variety of different plug sizes to accommodate all your needs.
MASKING
For large areas that a silicon plug cannot be used, yet still need to be free of anodize, lacquer masking is an option. This compound is “painted” on, and adheres to a raw aluminum surface to maintain its original state throughout the process.
Tape masking is also offered for areas that have flat surfaces that need to be free of anodizing.
ACID ETCH
Primarily used to achieve a matte finish, acid etch will remove less material than a standard caustic etch.
TUMBLING
Offering Vibratory Deburr tumbling since 2018, APA offers several different medias to deburr parts prior to the chem-film or anodize process. Please contact us for specific requirements.