Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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What plating for wear/corrosion resistance plus aluminum compatibility

I am looking for a suitable plating for a blue tempered steel component. It is a 32 ga part, fabbed in a progressive machine. In use, it will slide past an aluminum detent. It could see service in wet weather (i.e. rain, sleet, snow). The aluminum is chromated (MIL-C-5541, CL1A), primered and painted. I am not relying on the paint (cannot verify coating build anyway) to last forever, therefore, the part will come into contact with the AL eventually. I am leaning toward tin plating but there may be a higher performance alternative. Any ideas?

Nesdon Harris
product designer - Dulles, Virginia
2007

Exposed aluminum will gall and smear sticking to most metallic platings. Maybe you should reconsider the paint and think of something else. If that's not feasible, a composite nickel teflon will work great for the plate if you can afford it.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2007