Knowledge

  1. Home ›
  2. Knowledge ›
  3. Technical Publications

Technical Publications

Cleaning, Passivation & Electropolishing in the Medical Industry
A Technical Whitepaper on Cleaning, Passivation and Electropolishing Processes of Surgical Instruments, Metal Tubes and Medical Implants

Due to the material basis and the type of use, medical devices are subject to natural aging processes. Passivation processes with citric or nitric acid drastically increase corrosion protection and lead to a measurable benefit in product life. Surface Treatment processes like Electropolishing straighten the surface and avoid bacterial adhesion. In addition, the manufacturing process and the requirements of the purity of the products require comprehensive cleaning processes. | Download for more information.

Read more
Formation of Trivalent Chromium Passivation Layers
The process is proven to be a safe replacement for hex chrome, but fundamental knowledge of its composition is required

Over the years, research on trivalent chromium passivation (TCP) has expanded into many fields of application, among them as a replacement for conversion coatings containing hexavalent chromium (Cr6), known as chromates. REACHcompliant TCP processes have been found to be adequate replacements for chromates, however, implementing them in the highly safety-minded aviation industry, for example, requires fundamental knowledge about the layer composition of these types of conversion coatings. This article outlines the formation of layers in trivalent chromium (Cr3) passivation over the copper-containing aluminum alloy EN-AW 2024.

Post Treatment of Anodising Layers
Nickel- and Cobalt free Alternatives Working at Ambient Temperatures

For post treating anodising layers on aluminium, typically two different technologies are applied, the hot water sealing at 96-100 °C and the cold sealing using reactive salts to plug the pores of the anodic coating. Both applications show major disadvantages. Whereas the hot water sealing is extremely energy consuming due to the mandatory hot process temperature, the low temperature sealing processes typically apply nickel compounds being harmful to the environment. Nickel salts are toxic and carcinogenetic, having irreversible effects on the human body and health. Furthermore, nickel containing waste waters are difficult to treat, especially when also aluminium is present [1]. New nickel-free technologies have been developed accordingly, enabling a low temperature application yielding in major energy savings. The deposition of antisoluble compounds in the pores of the anodizing layer leads to best stability and corrosion protection, exceeding the performance of hot water sealing. The new process solutions as being non-toxic are less risky to store and to handle, assisting the safety at work. Implementing a new photometrical method for analysing the ingredients, process stability and production quality can be improved [2]. In some cases, the pH-resistance of the anodised surface can be enhanced, extending the application field of anodised aluminium. Moreover, the waste water treatment of the rinses is carried out at pH 9–10, hence, can be done mutually with aluminium containing effluents.

Criteria for Selecting the Correct Cleaning System
Aqueous Parts Cleaning

What should users take into account when planning a new cleaning system and choosing a suitable process? Many different parameters need to be considered. A variety of different aqueous cleaning processes is available and these processes can be adapted to meet individual requirements.

Read more
The New Generation of Chrome Plating
Specialist Finishing Company Opts for Hexavalent-Chrome-Free Process

Trivalent chrome processes are the ideal alternative to hexavalent chrome plating and produce coatings of a similar colour. The specialist finishing company Oberflächentechnik Döbeln has been using trivalent chrome successfully for more than a year.

Read more
Neutral cleaner - always neutral? Application areas of neutral cleaners at the industrial parts cleaning
Presentation at the Expert Forum part2clean 2013
Post Treatment of Anodising Layers Low Temperature and High Performing Ni-free Alternatives
Technical Paper which was awarded during the Aluminium 2000 Congress as best paper

For post treating anodising layers on aluminium, typically two different technologies are applied, the hot water sealing at 96-100 °C and the cold sealing using reactive salts to plug the pores of the anodic coating. Both applications show major disadvantages. Whereas the hot water sealing is extremely energy consuming due to the mandatory hot process temperature, the low temperature sealing processes typically apply nickel compounds being harmful to the environment. Nickel salts are toxic and carcinogenetic, having irreversible effects on the human body and health. Furthermore, nickel containing waste waters are difficult to treat, especially when also aluminium is present. New nickel-free technologies have been developed accordingly, enabling a low temperature application yielding in major energy savings. The deposition of antisoluble compounds in the pores of the anodizing layer leads to best stability and corrosion protection, exceeding the performance of hot water sealing. The new process solutions as being non-toxic are less risky to store and to handle, assisting the safety at work. Implementing a new photometrical method for analysing the ingredients, process stability and production quality can be improved. In some cases, the pH-resistance of the anodised surface can be enhanced, extending the application field of anodised aluminium. Moreover, the waste water treatment of the rinses is carried out at pH 9-10, hence, can be done mutually with aluminium containing effluents.

Determination of Hexavalent Chromium in NAVAIR Trivalent Chromium Process (TCP) Coatings and Process Solutions