Coatings
Surface coatings have been in use by man for hundreds of years and electroplating began in 1803. In the last 50 years, development has substantially increased the type and performance of coatings such that to give technical details of those commonly available for general use would require a complete reference book. The component material may be chosen for its machineability, forging, forming and strength properties etc. Subsequent surface coating of the component material provides protection for an extended working life. This enables, for instance, zinc diecastings or plastic to be used for door handles, with protection from corrosion, UV light, erosion, abrasion and decoration provided by the coating. A coating often imparts more than one property and mixtures of coatings, i.e. one layer upon another, can be used to give different performance characteristics at the same time. Anochrome Group is developing coatings and application methods continually to address specific concerns, problems or corrosion needs. The protection provided by a coating to the base material relies upon the integrity of the coating and its freedom from faults, cracks, scratches and pores. The attraction of a sacrificial coating is that it gives protection inspite of coating faults (some caused by assembly) but without these faults (flaws) the performance would be considerably improved. This is why racked (jigged) parts invariably give better performance when compared with the same finishes applied to parts in bulk. Anochrome Group endeavours to use 'robust' coatings to withstand the rigours of modern requirements; but, it should be recognised that extra operations, such as sorting, patching, packing, transporting, vibratory feeding or other rough handling can reduce the performance, especially with larger components. It has been found that lubricated coatings give more damage resistance.
