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Alternative to zinc dichromate for in-house finishing?

 

We are a company that manufactures automated equipment. We also manufacture a great deal of carbon steel parts for the equipment that we design. Our current alternative to painting for some parts is zinc dichromating. We would like to finish the parts we manufacture in house with a process that will offer similar corrosion resistance at possibly a lower cost with less environmental hassle. I am familiar with processes applied to stainless steel and aluminum but do not know what is available for the carbon steel family. Can you suggest a process to further research?

Scott Mercurio
Port Huron, Michigan

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You may want to investigate the Dacromet process, which is a way of putting zinc onto the surface for sacrifical protection from a water-base "paint".

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

Hi Scott ,

There is a big push by the motor companies for a Tri - Valent Chromate Conversion coating on top of Zinc Plate that is clear in color and offers the same or better corrosion resistance that current Yellow chromate does , but I'm afraid it is not cheaper ,The finish you are currently using is amongst the cheapest of decorative / industrial finishes available unless you want to consider paint or powder coat . Your current supplier should be aware of the new Tri - Valent chromates.

Regards,

John Tenison - Woods
- Victoria Australia