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Q&As since 1989


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How can we to corrosion proof a steel or aluminum plate?

We are designing an industrial product that requires a flat table top workspace (approximately 24" x 32" x 1/4"). The product will be used in a machine shop (i.e. not an unusually harsh environment). Hot-rolled steel or aluminum plates are likely materials for this application but others may be appplicable.

What is the most cost-effective combination of material and coating/plating for corrosion resistance?

Tom Guadagnola
equipment manufacturer - El Cajon, California, USA
2004

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First of three simultaneous responses --

If you make the table top out of aluminum, a good anodize would probably meet your needs.

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA
2004

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Second of three simultaneous responses --

Its final use would make a difference. Zinc plating would work fine for many uses. If it were a surface plate, then it would probably be hot black oxided and oiled. Reworking the plate for flatnes would remove most of the oxide and it would end up an oiled plate. Electroless nickel would work fine for many uses, but is relatively expensive. If it was only an assembly table, phosphate and paint might be the option of choice. So, it depends.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2004

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Third of three simultaneous responses --

Bare aluminum might be OK for such an environment unless you want an extra hardness for scratch resistance and antistick properties. In such a case, hardcoat anodizing is the best alternative to improve it. Also contributes to corrosion resistance.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2004