Summary for non-chrome coatings Discussion
non-chrome coatings for metal stampings are discussed as a cost-and-performance tradeoff rather than a simple swap. T.D. Jackson says customers want a cheaper alternative to hex chrome, but one quote for a Magni coating cost more than the stamped part itself, prompting questions about e-coat, Autophoretic, Dacromet, and where to find vendors. Robert H Probert replies that it would be much easier to recommend options if the reason for coating were known, along with details such as the current coating thickness. He notes that hexavalent chrome is used for several different purposes, including appearance, wear resistance, hardness, and corrosion resistance, so the right replacement depends on which of those functions must be preserved. The thread does not name a single best substitute; instead, it emphasizes defining the performance requirement before choosing a coating system.
Q. We have been asked by a couple of our customers to reduce costs, and to go to some kind of non hex chrome finish on the parts we stamp for them. The 2 do not seem to go together at all.
One potential new customer asked for us to quote a “Magni” coating that costs more than the stamped part we manufacture, after seeing the final price they asked us to suggest to them what type coating we could provide them. I am looking at e-coat, or Autophoretic type coating, but I also understand I should consider Dacromet, and that line of coatings? I would like to know what all of my options might be, and …
where to find vendors for each.
Thank you,
T.D. Jackson
Metal Stamping – Nashville, Tennessee, USA
2004
A. It would make it much easier to respond to your query if you gave some idea as to why the stamped parts need to be coated, and maybe some data on the present coatings, such as thickness. Hexavalent chrome is used for many reasons, including appearance, wear resistance, hardness, and corrosion resistance.
Jim Treglio – scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover
San Diego, California
2004
A. What kind of base metal are you trying to protect. Indoor? Outdoor? Hours of salt spray? Bare iron, zinc plated, or bare aluminum?
Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services
Garner, North Carolina
2004
A. This application needs to pass 150 hours of salt spray. There are 2 different styles of parts, the one is about the size of a credit card, and the other is about the size of a house key, the both have formed edges and pierced holes. I hope this is enough information to help you answer my question.
T.D. Jackson
– Nashville
2004
A. Zinc electroplating is one of the least expensive finishes and you might want to consider it. Zinc alloy plating (zinc-cobalt, zinc-iron, zinc-nickel) is almost as cheap.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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