Top Quality Chromate conversion coatings can passivate various metal alloys. By covering them with a chemical film, oxygen can’t interact with its molecules. This prevents them from corroding. When producing metal products, chromate conversion coats prolong their lifespans. So, it can be useful if you’re manufacturing items that are vulnerable to corrosion.
Corrosion Inhibition
Part of what any metal has to deal with is the oxygen in our atmosphere. Usually, it interacts with almost anything metallic, corroding it. However, putting a thin chemical film on an alloy prevents that from happening. Instead of corroding the metal, oxygen doesn’t interact with the film. So, it extends the lifespan of metals without impacting their utility. In fact, a Type II Class 1A conversion is hardly visible to the naked eye.
Improve Paint Adherence
Another reason chemical conversion coatings are great is that they improve paint adherence. Most of the time, bare metals won’t bond with paints all that well. But, if you’ve covered them with a chemical film, paint has a much easier time bonding to it. So, it won’t take as much to completely paint the material. Plus, once it has paint on it, it won’t lose its color as fast. That’s why many companies prefer using chemical conversions before applying paint.
Preserve Electrical Conductivity
When metals corrode, their electrical resistance usually increases as well. However, covering them with a chemical film can keep their resistance from increasing. By preventing corrosion, metals never lose their ability to conduct electricity. They’ll still be capable of doing it after years of use.
