Chromate Conversion

Process Overview

Chromate conversion coating (Alodine/chemical film) forms an extremely thin layer on aluminum, providing baseline corrosion protection and an excellent paint base.

Compliant with MIL-DTL-5541
More conductive than anodizing, suited to electrical contacts
Ideal pre-treatment before paint or powder coating

Specifications

The table below lists typical parameters and lead-time information for this process. Actual values may vary with material, size and quantity.

Parameter	Value / Details
Colors & Finish	Gold, Clear
Compatible Materials	Aluminum
Typical Thickness / Spec	0.5-3 μm
Relative Cost	$
Lead Time	About 2 business days

Process FAQ

The questions engineers ask most about selecting this process, compatible materials and lead times.

Related to Chromate Conversion

Can anodizing or painting match specific colors?+

Yes, powder coating and liquid spray paint can match RAL, Pantone color cards, or customer-provided samples. Anodizing provides over 50 standard colors, with custom color matching available upon request.

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Does Surface Treatment Affect Part Dimensions?+

Yes, most surface treatments increase the part's surface thickness. Anodization typically adds 0.5-2 mils per side, while electroplating adds 0.1-2 mils depending on the type. Our engineers account for this material allowance during machining to ensure the final dimensions meet specifications.

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What Is the Difference Between Type II and Type III Anodizing?+

Type II is standard anodizing with a thinner oxide layer (0.5-1.5 mil), suitable for decoration and corrosion resistance. Type III (hard) anodizing features a thicker oxide layer (1-2 mil) with significantly higher hardness and wear resistance, ideal for functional applications.

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Which Materials Can Be Anodized?+

Anodizing is primarily used for aluminum alloys (6061, 7075, 2024). Titanium alloys can also be anodized. Other metals such as steel and brass require different surface treatments like electroplating or passivation.

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What Is the Typical Surface Roughness for 3-Axis Machined Parts?+

Standard machined surface roughness is 125 Ra (3.2 µm); finish machining achieves 63 Ra (1.6 µm). Post-processing such as sandblasting or polishing can further improve surface quality.

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What is the Difference Between CNC Turning and CNC Machining?+

In CNC turning, the workpiece rotates while the tool remains stationary, suitable for cylindrical parts such as shafts, pins, and sleeves. In CNC machining, the workpiece is stationary while the tool rotates, ideal for flat, prismatic and complex 3D geometric shapes.

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Quick Stats

Process Overview

Specifications

Compatible Materials

Aluminum

Stainless Steel

Titanium

Carbon Steel

Copper & Brass

ABS Plastic

Polycarbonate (PC)

POM (Acetal/Delrin)

PEEK

Nylon (PA)

PMMA (Acrylic)

PTFE (Teflon)

PEI (Ultem)

PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide)

PP (Polypropylene)

PE (Polyethylene)

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PSU / PPSU (Polysulfone)