Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Sn Coating over Aluminium (Al 6082)

2006

Hi I am a Mechanical Engineer working for an International Company as a Technical Service Engineer in the Electric Sector, mainly producing MV circuit breakers. We have a problem with a couple of our Aluminum parts requiring Sn Coating.

I want to get more info over Sn Coating over Aluminium part made of Al-6082 type material, just to get a better know-how over the Coating process and have a full picture for the problem to be able to solve.
It has a Si content of %1, conforms with the specs required for an Al-6082 type that is in btw. % 0.7< Si <1.3.
I have 2 questions :
1) Is the coating applicability of Sn over Aluminum, increases or decreases as the Si content in the material increases?
2) Is there a special chemical for the Sn Coating Process over Aluminum materials so as to be able to apply Sn coating feasibly?
The problem with Sn-Coating is not adhering on Al-6082. Need help over these issues.
Waiting for suggestions.
Ali BAL
Electric Sector - Turkey

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March 16, 2008

Sn coating on Aluminum can be done with cold spray technology.
Cold spray works as the particles are sprayed with High velocities due to which heat generates and adhesion takes place.

This technique doesn't depend on the type or grade of Aluminum used.
Sri Chimbli
- Detroit, USA