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Ceramic Coating on 6061 Aluminum?
Q. Is there a process for depositing ceramic on 6061 Aluminum? If so, is it possible to coat as this a 1-2 mils?
Niko Bratsis- Andover, Massachusetts
2001
A. Anodizing of aluminum will create an Aluminum Oxide ceramic layer you need on the surface. If this is acceptable, look for an anodizing shop around.
Mandar Sunthankar- Fort Collins, Colorado
2001
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A. There has been some work done on low pressure plasma spray deposition of aluminum oxide on aluminum. If anodizing doesn't do it for you, you should check with Sulzer-Metco about spraying it on. ![]() Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com PVD Consultant & Wine Lover San Diego, California 2001
? There are several definitions for ceramics. Which one are you wanting? James Watts- Navarre, Florida 2001 |
Q. I'm interested in ceramic primarily for its wear characteristics. The mating surface causing the wear to the part is a type of ceramic itself (99.5% Alumina). In the past, I have experimented with various hard coats including: Alcoat, Polyond, Sanford hard coat and regular black anodize. Most of these work fine. However, a secondary characteristic, which is equally as desirable, is electrical insulation. I have gone so far as making the part out of solid Zirconia (which works great, but is very expensive).
Basically, I'm looking for a cheaper alternative. Any ideas?
Niko Bratsis [returning]- Andover, Massachusetts
2001
A. While not technically a ceramic, you might want to try porcelain enamel for aluminum. The enamel would still be a hard, abrasion-resistant barrier coating. I believe a leaded enamel could also meet your electric insulation requirement.
Best regards,
Charles Baldwin- Cleveland, Ohio, USA
2001
A. Depending on the size and geometry of the part, High energy thermal spray of various ceramics will give you a very wide range of capabilities.
You should be able to find a shop fairly close to your city. If you can not find one, check with a couple of companies that manufacture the equipment for job shops that use their equipment (Thomas Register).
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
2001
Q. I'm interested in the use of a high temperature insulator, possibly a ceramic, which could be deposited inside a cast aluminum electrical enclosure. The aim would be to be able to have the product pass safety approvals using this layer as a barrier against electric shock.
Has anyone seen this type of approach, or had success in this type of application?
- Burnaby, B.C. Canada
May 16, 2012
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