by Robert | Jul 10, 2025 | Expert Answers
The hardcoat surface is very scratch resistant. It can be measured by a Tabor abrasion test called out in MIL Spec 9625. Sealed hardcoat will provide the best dielectric strength. The breakdown voltage of sealed 2 mil hardcoat is about 1200 volts. There is some...
by Robert | Jul 10, 2025 | Expert Answers
Colors obtained through dying are not as consistent as those obtained through powder coating or paint. Creating consistency in color and color matching is extremely difficult due to all the variables in the anodizing process (see more on this topic on the color...
by Robert | Jul 10, 2025 | Expert Answers
There are two possible issues with hardcoating aluminum that thin. First, Type III hardcoat process uses a higher current density than Type II. The electrical current is transmitted to the part through some contact points (typically four). Being so thin the part would...
by Robert | Jul 10, 2025 | Expert Answers
I agree with your assessment of 2024 hardcoat hardness. We know from our experience that it is significantly softer than 6061 but we do not have any test numbers. The general principle is that the higher purity alloys will always yield a denser and harder hardcoat...
by Robert | Jul 10, 2025 | Expert Answers
A principle to keep in mind is that whatever you have on the machined finish will remain after anodizing or chromate conversion. Think of the anodizing process as similar to film development. Whatever is in the substrate of the aluminum will be more visible after the...
by Robert | Jul 10, 2025 | Expert Answers
Question: “Can hardcoat anodizing be reprocessed?” Answer: The short answer is yes, however Type III anodizing can present a number of potential issues to consider before reprocessing parts that have been hardcoated: Dimensional Change: Reprocessing...
