Anodising Products & Services. Chemical Additives and Colouring Equipment Sales & Service Process Optimisation Chemical Analysis

Transcription

1 Anodising Products & Services Chemical Additives and Colouring Equipment Sales & Service Process Optimisation Chemical Analysis

2 About Alpha Chemicals Alpha Chemicals Anodising Division provides a unique end to end solution for the Anodising industry. Our mix of quality products, services and expertise allow us to help you optimise your Anodising process thereby minimising production costs and maximising your returns. Our products and services include: Chemicals and formulations for the anodising and colouring of Aluminium. Alpha offer a number of our own proven formulations and standard chemicals but also are the exclusive distributors in Aust & NZ for a range of chemicals for anodising and colouring aluminium from Alufinish GmbH, world leaders in the Anodising and Powder Coating industry. Proven expert technical advice to optimise your process. Our years of involvement and research in this industry have provided us with an understanding and expertise in the optimisation of anodising process systems that is difficult to find elsewhere. Reliable ongoing bath chemistry testing and analysis. Our fully equipped laboratory facilities and our qualified, experienced staff offer a dedicated resource to help monitor your production, provide solutions to your issues and meet any individual requirements. Equipment sales, installation and ongoing technical support for a range of equipment including rectifiers, control equipment, transformers and colour interference units. Alpha are the exclusive Australian & NZ distributors for Munk Gmbh, one of the world s leading suppliers of rectifiers and control equipment for electroplating, anodising and hard anodising. Alpha Chemicals is a 100% Australian owned manufacturing, formulating and trading company with a strong background in inorganic chemicals and considerable experience in organometallic compounds and a broad spectrum of formulations. Our commitment to quality is supported by our Quality Management System, Environmental Protection policy and process and our focus on Health and Safety. Our factory, in Sydney, Australia, manufactures a wide range of inorganic and organometallic compounds that are used in many industries and applications, ranging from paint additives, flame retardants and fungicides to anodising additives, concrete stains and plant micronutrients. We welcome any opportunity to provide further information or assistance with your specific requirements. Alpha Chemicals Pty Ltd 18 Inman Road, Cromer NSW Australia 2099 Ph: Fax: sales@alphachem.com.au Web: alufinish GmbH & Co KG Munk GmbH 02

3 01 Pre-Treatment Degreasing Bath AlfiClean 139 Ecologically acceptable, low foaming, no rinse step required and excellent cleaning effect. A weak alkaline, ecologically acceptable degreasing agent for aluminium and aluminium alloys. Because of its lowfoaming properties it is especially suitable for immersion plants where aluminium substrates are transferred directly into an alkaline long-life etch bath without a rinse step after degreasing. Ideally, it can be combined with Alfisatin etching products. Especially suitable for the removal of grease, oil and wax as well as polishing pastes because of its excellent cleaning effects. The product is weakly emulsifying and only slightly strips the surfaces because of low alkalinity. Unproblematic with regard to waste-water. Electrolytic Bright Bath Aliflex 490 No Chromates, easy to use, excellent brightness and high reflection values An electrolytical brightening bath for aluminium. Alfiflex 490 contains no chromates and is therefore easy to use, especially with regard to waste water treatment. Since the brightening result depends to a large degree on the material used, the choice of the material is especially important. Alfiflex 490 produces an excellent brightness and high reflection values provided suitable, homogenous material is used. When alloys are treated, the loss of brilliancy due to the anodising process must be taken into consideration. Caustic Etch Bath Etch Additive AC-698/200 Long life, free of chlorate, nitrate, nitrite and chromate, matt, fine grained & uniform finish. The E-6 ETCHING ADDITIVE AC-698/200 is a liquid long life etch additive for production of alkaline E-6 etching for decorative surface treatment according to DIN The additive AC-698/200 formulation is free of chlorate, nitrate, nitrite and chromate. AC-698/200 produces a very matt, fine-grained and uniform surface finish at normal process parameters. The matt finish can be specially adjusted at the request of customers. Etching baths with AC-698/200 show a low viscosity even at higher aluminium content (140 g/l as Aluminium, 420g/L as Sodium Aluminate) and drain quickly. Rinsing problems with hollow sections are therefore mostly unknown. Alfisatin 357 Long life, prevents surface defects, very matt finish Alkaline long-life etching additive specifically developed for superior performance when used on difficult to etch alloys. Surface irregularities due to special alloy compositions are safely and permanently prevented. 03

4 Alfisatin 339/1 Long term, strong foam reducing and draining properties, good optical levelling,low weight loss. A special long-term pickling additive with strong foam-reducing and draining properties for specialised applications. Optimal results are achieved when the aluminium content is greater than 140 g/l (as Aluminium, 420g/L as Sodium Aluminate). Higher dissolved aluminium is possible due to specialised viscosity modifiers and very efficient complexing agents, in turn producing a very fine, matt surface often comparable to an acid etch system in appearance. Alfisatin 339/1 is also suitable for applications in spraying plants and shows even and finely matt surfaces at higher aluminium contents. When correctly used, there are no shadows caused by wires, no stains resulting from the transport between the procedures and there is no formation of scale or sludge. Ridge deposits are almost completely concealed. Alfisatin 339/1is distinguished by good optical levelling properties and low weight loss values. Due to special additives, the foam development usually occurring if large quantities of parts are treated is reduced to a minimum and free-draining of hollow sections is excellant. Reductions in metal removal during etching result in superior dimensional stability, lower chemical consumption, lower waste disposal costs and few if any costly sludge pumpout requirements. Korrekturlösung 331 Improve drain-off. A newly developed additive for the improvement of the drain-off behaviour in E6-longterm picklings. Korrekturlösung 331 is highly efficient even in low concentrations without negatively affecting the foaming behaviour of the pickling solution. Korrekturlösung 331 is added to the pickling bath if pickling solution must be removed from especially narrow profile chambers while no additional rinsing with water or air is required. Netzmittel A35/1 Improves wetting ability and rinsability An effective wetting agent for alkaline aluminium picklings and long-term etchings. The created foam cover protects against etch mist. Netzmittel A35/1 improves the rinsability of the pickled material without causing excessive foam development in baths already in use. Antischaum 36/3 Concentrated defoaming, silicone free, increase rack loading Antischaum 36/3 is a special, silicone-free defoaming agent developed for E6 longterm picklings into which tensides/ wetting agents from prior cleaning steps have been dragged and which are therefore foaming. Only small amounts are necessary to remove foam successfully. Higher loading of racks is possible. Antischaum 36/3 is especially adjusted to longterm pickling systems based on Alfisatin 339/1. Suitability for other pickling systems must be determined by preliminary tests. Desmut Bath Alfideox 75 Recycle waste anodising solution, eliminate desmut rinsing, reduce possible nitrate contamination. An additive free of nitrates, chromates and fluorides used for the preparation and correction of a sulphuric acid clarifying and desmutting bath for aluminium and its alloys. Prepared on the basis of sulphuric acid (ie high aluminium anodising solution) so that used aluminium-containing sulphuric acid from anodising baths can be utilised for desmutting prior to waste treatment. Rinsing between desmut and anodising can be eliminated which may free up space for other usage. 04

5 02 ANODISING BATH Alfinox 502 No cooling requirements, higher throughput. Usable in regions with higher temperatures, can reduce required exposure times. An anodising procedure with major advantages compared to conventional processes. Temperature and current density may very within a broad range of values which facilitates the application of the product. It can be used at temperatures of up to 35 C and can therefore be employed in regions with tropical climate, without supplementary bath cooling. May be operated with higher current density values than conventional direct current, sulphuric acid procedures so that process times can be reduced. Alfinox 510 Superior dyeing power and evenness, significantly reduce sulphuric acid usage An anodising procedure with major advantages compared to conventional processes. It produces layers with an excellent dyeing power and evenness. Alfinox 510 is a long-term anodising procedure, relatively unaffected by dissolved aluminium as high as 35 g/l. Since the aluminium concentration settles at approx g/l Al, a new preparation is not necessary. Approx. 50% sulphuric acid can be saved compared to dump techniques for maintaining low aluminium. Netzmittel S30 Improve foaming, wetting and rinsability An effective foaming and wetting agent for anodising solutions and other acid baths. Netzmittel S30 improves rinsability and reduces spraying losses considerably. 05

6 03 COLOURING 2 STEP COLOUR BATH Stannous Sulphate Cost effective electrocolouring of anodised aluminium. A very pure, fine powdered form of stannous sulphate is available for the electrolytic colouring (2-step electrocolour and interference colour systems) of anodised aluminium. The powder is dissolved very rapidly in acid. Usually large cost benefits are available by using powdered stannous sulphate and a separate stabiliser such as our AC-812 or Alufinish Alficolor 699, when compared to competitors pre-mixed solutions. Stabiliser AC-812 Produces excellent results, reduces frequency of electrode cleaning required, negates bath renewals The Stabiliser AC-812 liquid stabilising additive for electrolytical colour processes based on tin (2) sulphate. Excellent results due to the improvement of the throwing power and to the inhibition of the oxidation of Sn(2+). AC-812 does not contain cresols or phenols. When using AC-812, the electrolyte remains clear without white Sn(4+) deposits. This significantly reduces the frequency of cleaning of the electrodes which is usually required, and negates the need for regular bath renewals. A deposit of white tin [Sn(4+)] on the products does not occur. AC-812 concentration can be analytically determined, meaning optimal values can be maintained without costly overdosing. Alficolor 699 Excellent stabilising properties, throwing power and reproducibility A stabilising agent for the preparation and correction of two step tin base colour anodising for shades from light to dark bronze, and black. It contains no cresol and no phenolsulphuric acids, shows excellent stabilising properties and produces deep brown shades with a slight red cast. Distinguished by an excellent throwing power, high stability, good reproducibility and simple maintenance. Korrekturlösung 600 Neutralise nitrate colourbath contamination Neutralises the damaging reduction in throwing power and colouring ability of 2-step electrocolour baths based on stannous sulphate, caused by nitric acid contamination. Contamination may be caused by nitrate containing desmut baths, or brightening solutions containing nitric acid. Even the mist from these baths can cause colouring difficulties. Very effective even in small concentrations. 06

7 ALFISTEEL BATH Grey / Stainless Steel colours Alficolour 680 Excellent stabilizing properties, nonfading grey colours, simple maintenance This is a ready-to-use concentrate for the preparation and adjustment of an alternative two-step-colouring procedure based on nickel, for colour shades ranging from light to mid grey. The produced colours show the typical stainless steel finish, especially when brushed or polished aluminium is used. It is free of cresol and phenolsulphonic acids, shows excellent stabilizing properties and produces rich, nonfading colours. Alficolor 680 is distinguished by a very good throwing power, high stability, good reproducibility and simple maintenance. An existing single DCAC colour transformer can be used for parallel conventional 2-step (tin) and Alficolor 680 (nickel) baths. No-rinse Alfideox 75 Desmut can be used to reduce tank requirements and create space for an additional colour bath. Korrekturlösung 681 Korrekturlösung 681 is a supplementary top-up solution required to maintain the excellent colouring capability and throwing power of Alficolor 680 baths. GOLD BATH Gold / Brass colours Alphacol IG Cost effective, light stable gold and brass colours for internal and external exposure. Alphacol IG brand of Ferric Ammonium Oxalate is used in aqueous solution to produce light fast gold shades on anodised aluminium. A very cost-effective and locally available alternative to the well known Clariant Sanodal Gold 4N dye. CLARIANT DYE BATHS Sanodure Bronze 2LW A granulated product used in aqueous solution to produce bronze colours in anodised aluminium. Suitable for internal use. Available in small pack sizes (1kg minimum). Sanodal Deep Black MLW A fine powder used in aqueous solution for producing black colours in anodised aluminium. Suitable for internal exposure and some external applications with careful attention to manufacturer s guidelines. Available in small pack sizes (1kg minimum). Sanodure Grey NL Liquid A liquid product used diluted to produce grey colours with a slight brownish tinge, on anodised aluminium. Suitable for internal use. Available in small pack sizes (1kg minimum). Other Colours & Pack Sizes Many other Sanodal, Sanodure and Sanodye colours available, ex stock in small pack sizes. Most other products available in small quantities to order. Please enquire about your particular requirements. 07

8 04 Sealing Seal Bath Alphaseal MT-150 Improve economies, effective sealing without formation of bloom and smut Provides the opportunity to achieve significant economy in operation while providing reliable and effective sealing at medium temperatures. Can be used on a wide range of aluminium alloys which have been anodised and finished as natural, electrolytically coloured or dyed with organic or inorganic dyes. These finishes can be bright or matt. Formulated to achieve penetration of the pores in the anodic coating. The subsequent precipitation process provides an effective sealing mechanism without the formation of bloom or smut. Nickel Acetate Fix organic dyes to prevent colour loss and seal contamination. Nickel acetate is often used to make up a pre-seal / dye fixing solution for organically dyed anodised aluminium. Using a nickel acetate pre-seal prevents colour leeching by conventional seal processes, thus maintaining the colour intensity and preventing unnecessary contamination of the seal bath by dyes. Alfiseal 969 Free of heavy metals, Qualanod approved hot seal alternative with energy savings. This is a newly developed liquid sealing additive without heavy metals (i.e. Nickel free) which prevents sealing deposits, and is especially remarkable for the reduction of the sealing temperature possible compared to conventional hot sealing C operation. Alfiseal 969 fulfils the requirements of the quality association Qualanod if deionised water is used, such as the weight loss test according to ISO 3210 (chromic acid-phosphoric acid with predip). The sealed parts show a perfect and clean surface for a long time if continuous filtration and partial renewal are provided. Please note that Alfiseal 969 is not suitable for the sealing of organically dyed surfaces. Alfiseal 982/1 (Initial Product) Alfiseal 982 (Replenishment Product) Reduce heating costs significantly, A modern cold sealing bath for anodised aluminium. Due to the low bath temperatures heating costs can be reduced enormously. (28-32 C) There is no inconvenience due to water vapour. Alfiseal 982 may reduce, due to the short duration of treatment, the necessary bath volume. (approx. 1 minute/μm) Alfiseal 982 is offered in liquid form which makes it easy to work with. Alfiseal 982 accomplishes all quality tests required today. The requirements of Qualanod (ISO 3210 with nitric acid dip) can be entirely fulfilled by way of subsequent treatment in hot water or by subsequent hot sealing. ph resistance to 12.5 possible by Alfiseal 982 and supplementary hot seal. 08

9 05 ph ADJUSTMENT Oxalic Acid Oxalic Acid (crystals) are used to decrease the ph of Ferric Ammonium Oxalate (Alphacol IG) to optimal values. Ammonia 25% Solution Ammonia solution is used to increase the ph of Alphacol IG solutions, selected Clariant dye baths and dye pre-seal baths, in order to maintain optimal performance of those solutions. Acetic Acid 90% Acetic acid is used to decrease the ph as required, of selected Clariant dye solutions and nickel containing seal solutions as required. 06 AFTER CARE PRODUCTS Cleaning and repair paint systems for anodised and powder coated surfaces. Alupolish Cleaning and Preservation Polish Anodised surfaces are very resistant, highly robust and decorative. In order to preserve the decorative finish for a long time, anodised layers also require care. ALUPOLISH makes possible the cleaning, care and preservation of surfaces in one work cycle. The slight scouring effect treats the surface with great care while at the same time achieving a good cleaning effect. Cleaning Erasers For the pre-cleaning of small anodised surfaces, special cleaning erasers with strong scouring effect are available. With this product, even tenacious impurities can be removed prior to ALUPOLISH use. Alficolor repair pens and sprayers for anodised surfaces ALFICOLOR repair pens for patching small scratches and colouring mitre cuts on anodised surfaces. ALFICOLOR sprayers are used in order to match metal parts to the 6 Euras colour shades. Repair pens and sprayers are available in the anodised colours C0 (silver), C31, C32, C33, C34 and C35 (champagne, light bronze to black). High quality acrylic enamels with excellent lasting properties serve as the colouring medium. ALFICOLOR PLR pens - for powdercoated surfaces Repair pens for colour identical repair of powder-coated metal parts. The PLR system consists of a transparent base lacquer (ALFICOLOR PLR pen) with a separately available lock-up plastic box into which the user fills the appropriate coating powder. This box can then be used as a transport box for the powder lacquer. Thus it is possible to apply an absolutely colour identical repair lacquer during operation or on a building site within very short time. 09

10 07 EQUIPMENT Alpha Chemicals represents the highly respected German power equipment supply manufacturer Munk GmbH ( in Australia and New Zealand. Munk GmbH custom manufacture DC rectifiers and AC power transformers in both SCR thyristor and compact switch mode designs, and featuring air or water cooled power units. Single and 3 phase available. 10A to 20,000A common sizes. Bench case to industrial sizes. All capacities available to order. Complete control packages available - switch and dial - current or voltage limitation - multifunction/multicycle control - dedicated process control. Sophisticated dedicated anodising process controllers (including a true current density controller) for type II, hard anodising, 2-step electrocolour, Interference Colour. Also suitable/available for electropolishing, electroplating, e-coating and metal recovery. Full backup service and Australian parts stock at Alpha Chemicals in Sydney. 10

11 08 SERVICES Alpha Chemicals understands the complete aluminium anodising process. Electrical, chemical, physical and procedural aspects are all considered. Chemical analysis of customer baths by couriered samples. Research, testing and problem solving in our laboratory anodising line in Sydney. Simple process test procedures, analytical training and advice suitable for non-chemists. Process plant audit available to identify optimisation possibilities. Years of experience working with most of the anodisers in Australia and New Zealand. Access to vast expertise through our links to anodising specialists throughout Europe. If we don t already know, we should be able to find out! 11

12 Inman Rd, Cromer, NSW