• Anodizing
• Plasma
• Painting

Magnesium Anodizing

Superior Protection over Conventional Protection Processes

Magnesium anodizing imparts a hard anodic coating that results in a much more durable surface that better resists corrosion, abrasion, wear and heat. As a result, magnesium alloy components are often designed for use in very corrosive environments and/or where abrasion of the applied surface treatment is likely to occur.

Magnesium Anodize – A Protective Coating for Magnesium

• protects the metal from attack by salt water or other corrosive environments
• protects the surface from wear and abrasion
• imparts good heat insulating properties
• provides high electrical insulating properties to protect the metal from galvanic corrosion

Magnesium alloy components may be designed, for use in very corrosive environments and/or where abrasion of the applied surface treatment is likely to occur. The anodizing process provides superior protection in the above areas over conventional corrosion protection processes. The process provides a hard anodic coating that imparts a much more durable surface that resists corrosion, abrasion, wear and heat.

The Magnesium Anodize Process can be used to produce a thin tan colored film or the full chocolate brown colored coating. Anodize film build up beyond the initial thin film is not an even process. Development of the full coating is by outcrop formation, initially near component edges and the gradual filling of general surfaces. This method of film build up serves as a useful visual guide in determining when the treatment is complete. Dimensional increases of approximately .0015 and .003 are typical for the partial and complete coatings respectively. The actual thickness of the full anodize film is approximately double that of the measured increase due to conversion of base metal during the anodizing process.

Light Film HAE and Heavy Film HAE

For aerospace components requiring anodized coatings for magnesium alloys, we provide light and heavy film HAE that furnishes an excellent base for paints and sealants. The light film provides protection for more than 3,000 hours when sealed with Rockhard sealants, while the heavy film protects more than 8,000 hours. These are typically used for turbine housings, pumps, inlet housings, compressor housings and more.