ENHANCED PERFORMANCE OF ALUMINUM DIE CASTINGS
Injection die casting of Aluminum has become one of the most popular and efficient methods used in mass production today. Unfortunately, the nature of this process promotes migration of silicon particles to the surface of these castings, posing unique challenges to metal finishers in producing uniform conversion coatings and uniform anodize coatings of more than .0004". Pioneer's family of die cast finishes provide specifically engineered solutions which overcome these corrosion protection and aesthetic hurdles.
Pioneer Metal Finishing has developed a family of finishes for Aluminum Die Casts
Our dedicated team of Research and Development experts has developed a diverse portfolio of finishes capable of satisfying a broad range of aluminum die cast finishing needs.
*CHROMATE CONVERSION - Pioneer Metal Finishing offers Type I (containing hexavalent chromium) and Type II (containing no hexavalent chromium) options as cost effective solutions that achieve adequate corrosion protection. These processes promote the adhesion of subsequent organic finishes and adhesives.
CONVENTIONAL ANODIZE and HARDCOAT ANODIZE - Low cost solutions that offer minimum corrosion protection with increased wear protection over chromate. These finishes also provide an excellent base for promoting the adhesion of subsequent organic finishes and adhesives.
CONVENTIONAL ANODIZE and HARDCOAT ANODIZE with ARP - Low cost solutions that offer the benefits of anodize with enhanced aesthetic appeal due to ARP-Acid Etch. ARP chemically removes the silicon rich surface of the die-casting which helps produce a more uniform chromate or anodized finish. This process also promotes a deeper black anodized coating.
CASTGUARD™ - Introducing Pioneer Metal Finishing’s newly developed finish specifically designed for die cast aluminum. CastGuard’s cutting edge technology offers supreme corrosion protection at an affordable price. This process promotes the adhesion of subsequent organic finishes and adhesives.
ENDURAGUARD™ - Offers unmatched corrosion protection in addition to an unparalleled, rich, shiny black finish. Fights filiform corrosion, and guards against acid and alkaline attacks. EnduraGuard is the elite aluminum die cast finish offered at Pioneer Metal Finishing.
* All Pioneer Metal Finishing processes meet the ELV, RoHS, and WEEE directives with the exception of Type I chromate conversion, which contains Hexavalent chromium.
Die Cast Aluminum Salt Spray Results
| Process | Salt Spray Failure | Aesthetic Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Chromate (Type I) | < 100 Hours | 1 |
| Pioneer ELV Conversion Coating (Type II) | < 100 Hours | 1 |
| Type II Anodize | < 48 Hours | 2 |
| Type III Hard Anodize + ARP | < 48 Hours | 3 |
| CastGuard™ | > 2000 Hours | 2 |
| EnduraGuard™ | > 3500 Hours | 5 |
- Tested per A.S.T.M. B-117
- Failure determined as noticeable white corrosion
- Test Results verified with 3 tests
- Testing done on 380 Die Cast Aluminum
- Test results may vary depending upon alloys and processes
