Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Chem-film process line

Hi due to quality and delivery issues we want to investigate the possibility of setting up our own chem-film process line. We have no knowledge of how to do this or any understanding of the costs involved. The process would have to be carried out to Aerospace standards. Can anyone advise as to the most cost effective way to buy equipment and get started.

Regards

Steve Tickner
company owner - Dunstable, Beds., UK
December 15, 2009

---

Hi, Steve. A chem-film line is not something that can be bought from a catalog, but must be engineered based on the required production rate, the characteristics of the components, etc. You can start with your chemical supplier and have them recommend an equipment supplier, but both will be protecting their own interests first, each other's interests second, and your interests when they get around to it :-)

That was a little tongue-in-cheek because some successful installations have certainly resulted from that approach, but the right thing to do is to retain a consultant who is experienced in chem-filming and the design of chem-film installations. The early decisions are far more consequential than the tiny final details, so don't make the common mistake of trying to get halfway through the project first. A consultant whom you have painted into a corner can help you somewhat, but not nearly as much as one whom you haven't. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
December 16, 2009

---

December 16, 2009

Hi Steve

Ted is a little hard on the suppliers. It seems that they are a possibly more aggressive in America. The plating industry UK is small and word gets round fastif you get bad advice.

But he is quite right that getting advice at the concept stage will save problems later, particularly if you need Aerospace accreditation.

I would start with the Institute of Metal Finishing (link on this page) or http://www.uk-finishing.org.uk/index.htm

They will put you in touch with plant and chemical suppliers.

Don't expect everyone to understand the term 'Chem-Film'. It is common un US but Europe refers to Conversion Coatings. This almost always means Alochrom.

The process itself is not difficult but you need to include provision for pre-cleaning, effluent disposal, chemical control, testing, documentation etc.

If you have no other wet chemistry processes on site, you may find it simpler to just look for a more reliable supplier. There are good ones out there.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England

----
Ed. note: Actually, Steve had used a brand name which we edited to 'chem-film' so that the comments weren't directed towards any particular supplier. In retrospect, Geoff's "conversion coating" would probably have been a better term.

---

Steve,

Another thing to check is whether your aerospace customer requires NADCAP. If so, as Geoff will attest, this will make the process much more complicated and the use of one of the many reputable process houses in the UK would be strongly recommended.

Brian Terry
Aerospace - Yeovil, Somerset, UK
December 17, 2009