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Suggestions on how to add corrosion protection to steel cast pulleys

October 19, 2011

Hello,

We have some Martin TB14H150 timing pulleys that we need to add some corrosion protection. These pulleys are untreated cast steel which is quite porous.

The operating environment is not particularly corrosive; for example zinc plating may be acceptable. We have tried zinc plating the part but this is not successful due to the porosity of the material. We have also tried 'flash chroming' with mixed results. Sometimes the part looks fantastic and sometimes it looks very blotchy. We haven't tested it for corrosion protection with either finish. We are currently using the FELL-PRO MAXICOAT as an interim solution to prevent corrosion from developing on the areas where the belt does not engage the teeth.

We have recently been discussing the use the Geomet type coating as a solution.

Can you recommend a better solution than the Maxi-coat?

Thank you for your time.
Best Regards,
Michael Wardas

Michael Wardas
Product designer - North Vancouver BC Canada

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October 20, 2011

Hi, Michael.

We try to help with technical advice on this site but we don't compare brands. But certainly a general rustproofing compound will have limited value in the wear areas.

My first guess is that the problem will best be solved by vacuum impregnating the parts before plating rather than looking for a plating which functions well on a porous surface Good luck.

Regards,

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

Have you considered electroless nickel coating on your part? I believed it should help with the corrosion and wear resistance in this case.

Davin Kort
- Jakarta
November 1, 2011

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November 8, 2011

Hello Michael,

E-Coat may be an inexpensive and durable enough option.

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India