Surface finishing is a pivotal aspect of optimizing the performance and aesthetics of aluminum alloy die castings. Employing diverse methods, manufacturers refine the surface properties of these components to meet exacting standards across industries. In this article, we will delve into five prevalent surface finishing techniques tailored for aluminum alloy die castings, elucidating their principles and applications. From chemical conversion coatings to mechanical polishing, each method offers distinctive advantages in enhancing both functionality and visual appeal. Join us as we explore the nuances of these surface finishing methodologies and their pivotal role in the manufacturing realm.
Aluminum Alloy Phosphating
Through the use of SEM, XRD, potentiodynamic polarization curves, membrane weight changes, and other methods, the effects of promoters, fluorides, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, PO4, and Fe2+ on the phosphating process of aluminum alloy were studied in detail. The research shows that guanidine nitrate has good water solubility, low usage, and fast film formation characteristics, making it an effective promoter for aluminum alloy phosphating. Fluorides can promote film formation, increase film weight, and refine grains. Mn2+ and Ni2+ can significantly refine grains, making the phosphating film uniform, dense, and improving its appearance. At lower Zn2+ concentrations, film formation may be poor or absent, but as the Zn2+ concentration increases, film weight increases. PO4 content has a significant impact on phosphating film weight, increasing PO4 content increases phosphating film weight.
Aluminum Alkaline Electrolytic Polishing Process
Research on alkaline polishing solution systems was conducted, comparing the effects of inhibitors, viscosity agents, and their impact on polishing effects. A highly effective alkaline solution system with excellent polishing effects was successfully obtained, and additives were introduced for the first time to lower operating temperatures, extend solution lifespan, and improve polishing effects simultaneously. Experimental results show that adding appropriate additives to NaOH solution can produce good polishing effects. Exploratory experiments have also found that under certain conditions, the reflectivity of aluminum surface can reach 90% after direct current constant voltage electrolytic polishing in NaOH solution containing glucose. However, due to existing instability factors, further research is needed. The feasibility of using direct current pulse electrolytic polishing method to polish aluminum under alkaline conditions was explored, and the results show that the use of pulse electrolytic polishing method can achieve leveling effects similar to direct current constant voltage electrolytic polishing, but the leveling speed is slower.
Environmentally Friendly Chemical Polishing for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
The development of an environmentally friendly chemical polishing technology based on phosphoric acid-sulfuric acid was determined. The technology aims to achieve zero emissions of NOx and overcome the quality defects of similar previous technologies. The key to the new technology is to add some compounds with special effects in the base solution to replace nitric acid. For this purpose, it is necessary to analyze the trivalent chemical polishing process of aluminum, especially focusing on the role of nitric acid. The main role of nitric acid in aluminum chemical polishing is to inhibit pitting corrosion and improve polishing brightness. Combined with experiments on chemical polishing in pure phosphoric acid-sulfuric acid, it is believed that the special substances added to phosphoric acid-sulfuric acid should be able to inhibit pitting corrosion, slow down overall corrosion, and simultaneously have good leveling and brightness effects.
Electrochemical Surface Strengthening Treatment of Aluminum and Its Alloys
The process, performance, morphology, composition, and structure of ceramic-like amorphous composite transformation film formed by anodic oxidation deposition on aluminum and its alloys in a neutral system were studied, and the film formation process and mechanism were preliminarily discussed. The research results show that in the neutral mixed system of Na2WO4, controlling the film-forming promoter concentration to 2.5-3.0g/l, the complexing film-forming agent concentration to 1.5-3.0g/l, Na2WO4 concentration to 0.5-0.8g/l, peak current density to 6-12A/dm^2, and weak agitation, a complete and uniform gray series of inorganic non-metallic films with good glossiness can be obtained. The film thickness is 5-10μm, microhardness is 300-540HV, and corrosion resistance is excellent. This neutral system has good adaptability to aluminum alloys, and can form films well on various series of aluminum alloys such as rust-resistant aluminum and forged aluminum.
Surface Treatment Technology for YL112 Aluminum Alloy
YL112 aluminum alloy is widely used in structural components of automobiles and motorcycles. Surface treatment is required before application to improve its corrosion resistance and form a surface layer that is easily combined with organic coatings, facilitating subsequent surface treatments.
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