Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Aluminum finishing options with good heat transfer
October 25, 2012
Q. I am working on a project that requires adding a finish coat to all but one side of an aluminum block. I was hoping that someone could make a suggestion about the best finishes to try that meet the requirements below.
The finish coat needs to handle continuous operating temperatures from -65 °C to 250 °C. The finish also needs to have good heat transfers characteristics (as close to aluminum as possible) along with a smooth finish.
The side that is not being finished has a coating with good resistance to hydrochloric and acetic acid
[on
eBay or
Amazon] but poor resistance to chromic, hydrofluoric, nitric, and sulfuric acid. This coating needs to be applied before the finish coat due to processing restrictions.
From what I have found on-line so far I am leaning towards electroless Ni plating but do not know if this is the best option.
Any help or advice is appreciated.
Thanks.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
It would help if you told us why you need the coating on the aluminum block.
Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover - San Diego,
California
October 26, 2012
October 29, 2012
Q. The coating is mainly for cosmetics and in some cases light wear resistance. The aluminum block is a heat sink so that is why it needs to have good heat transfer properties.
Blake Finstad- Minneapolis, Minnesota
A. Blake
Have you considered anodize? Mask the one surface from the process.
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
A. For the best heat transfer (heat sinks) you need a smooth surface regardless of appearance. The greater the exposed surface area, the greater the transfer. Mass finishing can accomplish that task.
AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Second of two simultaneous responses -- November 1, 2012
November 5, 2012
Q. We did consider anodizing but were worried about the type of acids used in the process. The coating that is applied to the 1 side is porous so it is difficult to mask it effectively. There is a chance that the acids could wick into the coating from the edge.
Blake Finstad- Minneapolis
A. I understand that electroplated bright nickel "fills", i.e., levels the surface. I don't know if aluminum can be electroplated, but maybe this would be solution??
Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover - San Diego,
California
November 8, 2012
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