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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET

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Chemical Conversion Coatings on Al

What are the differences/similarities between Alodine, Iridite, and Mil-C-5541 Chemical Conversion Coating.

DARIN G [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]
- PORT WASHINGTON, New York
1999

Alodine (Henkel) and Iridite (Macdermid) are trade names of two of the approved materials for MIL-C-5541 Chemical Conversion Coating of Aluminum, Darin.

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

If you are asking if there is a difference in the appearance of the different coatings, the answer is yes. I have used several types of conversion coatings and they each seem to have a slightly different hue. Although most applications are for a paint base we do have customers that use it as a final finish and have certain color requirements. I believe most do meet Mil-C-5541 but check with the manufacturer to be sure.

Jim Conner
Anoplex Software

Mabank, Texas USA

1999

per Mil-C-5541 acceptable finish can range in color from light yellow to dark brown, though too brown can result in powdery finish.

Pete Silver
- Portland or
1999

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