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Hard Coat Pore Structure

What are the affects on the pore structure, wear resistance, and color of product of having your hard coat bath at 32 °F vs. 50 °F?

Roger Thomas
shop employee - Alexandria, Minnesota, USA
2007

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It would depend on the other parameters of the bath, like what additives it includes, etc., Roger. To my knowledge the 50 ° baths are proprietary so you would ask the supplier for info and micrographs. But true Type III hard coat anodizing is done at 32 °F and below, whereas "Type 2-1/2 pseudo hard coat" is what you do at 50°

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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2007

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I have always felt there is no clear definition of hard coat. The Mil spec says abrasion resistant, does not mention hardness. Reynolds calls the MAE "hardcoat" from 20 °F up thru 70 °F. Colder is harder, darker and most abrasion resistant.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

2007

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