Summary for titanium corrosion resistance Discussion
Titanium finish for corrosion resistance is the central question here: Paul F. Lando asked what treatment or coating would let grade 4 titanium MIM parts survive autoclave exposure and chloride disinfectant wiping. Jon Quirt answered that a coating to SAE AMS 2488D Type II may be suitable, and noted that AMS 2488 caustic anodizing is often used as a base for dry film lubricant, DuPont Teflon, or other organic finishes. A second answer cautioned that metal injection molded parts may have inherent porosity, so they should be vacuum impregnated before finishing. That reply also emphasized that autoclaving and chlorine are very harsh environments, even for titanium, so the result may still be challenging despite the coating choice.
Q. What finish treatments or coating would be required to give Titanium (grade 4) MIMed parts the corrosion resistance required to withstand Autoclave and chloride disinfectant wiping?
Paul F. Lando
– Dallastown, Pennsylvania, USA
2002
A. A coating per SAE spec
AMS 2488D Type II.
Jon Quirt
– Fridley, Minnesota
A. AMS 2488, that is caustic anodizing, may do the trick; however, the fact that the parts are metal injection molded may rise to inherent porosity in the parts. This should be vacuum impregnated prior to finishing. Also, AMS 2488 is most often used as a base for dry film lubricant, DuPont Teflon, or other organic finish. Autoclaving and chlorine are tough environments to withstand, even for highly corrosion resistant titanium.
Good luck….
Milt Stevenson, Jr.
Plating shop technical manager – Syracuse, New York
Q. I have a Medical application for Titanium Castings. My customer is wondering if there is various processes for plating more for appearance, but must have wear capability and hopefully a variety of colors.
Roger Holtzkamp
– Blaine, Minnesota, USA
2003
A. With all due respect this question is vague. Is the medical device an implant? Is it body contact? Does it receive repeated autoclave?
You can coat titanium with Titanium Nitride to have a durable gold coating. You can anodize per
AMS 2488 D Type II to obtain a gray/black coating. You can anodize for a rainbow of colored coatings but they are not durable, a teflon overcoat helps may help.
Please expand on your needs, also what grade titanium C.P. or another grade, such as Grade 5?
Jon Quirt
– Minneapolis, Minnesota
2003