Summary for blue dye sealing test Discussion
The use of blue dye to test sealing quality comes up because the original poster needs a qualification test for a chromic anodising process and cannot source SANODAL Blue 2LW, the proprietary dye named in EN 12373-4 (now DIN EN ISO 2143). Jim Gorsich suggests contacting Clariant, which he believes carries the product, and James Watts adds that for small quantities East-West Dye may be worth trying, while Clariant/Sanodal in Europe may only sell large lots. A later answer explains that Sanodal dyes are made by Clariant and notes the dye is called out in ASTM B136 for anodic film quality, but that standard does not apply to Type I chromic anodize coatings. That same answer says that for conventional sulfuric anodize, any staining agent can work, even strong black coffee, but cautions that this may not be the right test for chromic anodize.
2007
Hi,
I am currently running a qualification project on our chromic anodising process. One of the qualification tests required is sealing quality EN 12373-4 [ed. note: replaced by DIN EN ISO 2143]. The specification calls for proprietary product SANODAL Blue 2LW dye. Our laboratories have never used this product, and I am battling to source a supplier – let alone data sheets – for this product.
Questions;
1. Can anybody recommend a supplier for this product?
2. Is there an alternative dye or ink that can be used in this regard?
3. Is it possible to use generic reagents to make-up an equivalent dye?
Thanking you in advance.
Victor Xaba
aerostructures – Kempton Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
 | 2007 A. Try to find the contact info for Clariant. I believe that they carry the product. Good luck. Jim Gorsich A. For tiny amounts, such as you would need for this test, you might try East-West Dye com in the USA. James Watts A. Sanodal dyes are made and sold by Clariant which was formerly know as Sandoz Corp. The metals division is now located in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. This dye is called out in ASTM B136 which is used to determine the integrity of a seal in as much as it’s a test for anodic film quality. That spec does specifically state that it doesn’t apply to Type I, chromic anodize coatings. While standardizing on a specific dye is necessary for such a test specification, on conventional sulfuric anodized coatings any type of “staining” agent works for this type test – strong black coffee being one (perhaps Starbucks)! This really is a seal quality test as the seal for anodize is often as important as the anodic layer itself. Finishing.com site is full of anodize quality issues that relate to inadequate or no seal whatsoever. Whatever the case, this is probably not the test for your chromic anodize coating.
2007 A. Sandoz and Sanodal dyes are manufactured and sold by Clariant Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., Chamdor (a suburb of Johannesburg). Ken Vlach [deceased]
– Goleta, California 2007 |
