METALAST Anodizing Additive (AA-100)

AA-100 is a proprietary chemical additive utilized in the METALAST anodizing technology, and available for use separately. While the maximum benefits, including anodizing process repeatability, will be obtained from use of the complete technology including METALAST process automation, significant improvement may be achieved by use of the additive alone.

Ordering:
Orders may be placed through local Account Representative, online, or directly to METALAST at 1-775-782-8324 or 1-888-METALAST.

Availability:
Available to anodizing customers and to METALAST Licensees.
(Licensees receive preferred pricing)

Product Use:
Technical, product handling, installation and maintenance details are included in the Technical Product Bulletin accompanying the product.

Basis for Performance Observations:
The following METALAST Technical Summaries support the benefits of the METALAST Technology. While the data are based on full implementation of the METALAST Process, including the use of the METALAST Process Control System ("MPCS"), they demonstrate benefits observed using the METALAST Chemical Additive AA-100.

• Corrosion resistance:
  Over 4,000 hours of corrosion protection as tested by ASTM B 117, greatly exceeding MIL-A-8625F requirement of 336 hours.

• Accuracy of Desired Oxide Thickness:
  Demonstrated conformance to desired oxide thickness within a range of 2-5%.

• Process Capability Index (Cpk):
  Demonstrated repeatability with a Cpk of 2.54, considerably outperforming the ISO/QS 9000 requirement for a Cpk of 1.33 and indicating virtually reject-free performance capabilities.

• Coating Formation Rate:
  A scientifically supported high and consistent rate of coating formation, improved by the ability to run at higher current density without burning.

• Abrasion Resistance:
  Taber abrasion of 0.89 mg/1,000 cycles on tested 6061-T6 samples, far surpassing the abrasion allowance of 1.5 by MIL-A-8625F.

• Microhardness:
  Tested samples surpass ISO 10074 Acceptance Value by 25-30% or more.

• Aluminum Build-up Rate:
  Field results, supported by lab analysis, indicate better control, analysis, and slower rate of aluminum build-up. Customers previously decanting every 3-4 weeks report reducing that to 6-12 months between decants.

• Coating Weight and Conversion Efficiency:
  General conversion efficiency of 78-97% among a variety of alloys, in comparison to reported level of 61% in conventional anodizing.

• Sealing Quality:
  Seal tests in accordance with ASTM B 680-80 meet or exceed ISO 7599 specification in all cases.

• Current Efficiency:
  Current efficiency using METALAST Process is close to 100% in most cases, supporting resistance to burning, higher quality performance, and superior quality.

The complete TECHSpecs upon which the above summaries are based may be requested from METALAST or downloaded online at www.metalast.com.

METALAST International, Inc., METALAST Tech Center, 2241 Park Place, Minden, NV 89423. Tel: 775-782-8324; Fax: 775-782-2498.