The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Chem Film, Powder Coating Specs for Aluminum Diecast

May 7, 2009

Hi Guys,

I'm working on a project where I am developing an outdoor fluorescent lighting housing using die cast aluminum. (probably will use A360 but still have no idea what is the best).

I know most fixtures use Chromate Conversion and Powder Coating. But I have no idea if there are specs for these types of things. The fixture must withstand corrosion and rust for a period of 10 years. Is there a a way to write a spec so that this can be achieved? Is this something ANSI number can handle? Sorry I'm am new to this.

Thanks,

Rick Ham
Designer - Signal Hill, California, USA

You are on the right track, Chromate & Polyester powder. However, I would be a little more precise specifying a "Super Durable Polyester". Will last longer that an "industrial polyester powder" and have better heat resistance if required.

Terry Hickling
Birmingham, United Kingdom
June 22, 2009

---

June 24, 2009

All you have to do is tell each vender on your vender list that you want to achieve 10 years in the field with the finished product and they will comply, you shouldn't have to specify products as they are the experts and will already have the knowledge. They will get you the information on what they have decided to use and why they've decided to use it.

Make sure you get the guarantee before the product goes into production!

10 years, eh? I guess cost won't be a factor :-)

Sheldon Taylor
supply chain electronics
Wake Forest, North Carolina

---

10 years is a lot specially when the product will be spending its life outdoors..Make sure you buy you powder from a high quality manufacturer as most manufacturers have switched to cheaper chinese raw materials instead of german or american...the best powders for outdoor use are polyurethane based products.
PS : you can never go wrong with a clearcoat to seal the deal

Karan B
- Bangalore, India
July 2, 2009