Chem film
chem film conversion coatings.
Type I - Gold
CHEM FILM MIL-C-5541 + MIL-DTL-5541 AND TT-C-490
Type II - Clear
CHEM FILM MIL-C-5541 + MIL-DTL-5541 AND TT-C-490
Classes
Class 1A
Class 3
CHEM FILM Overview
These specifications cover chemical conversion coatings formed by the reaction of chemical conversion materials with the surfaces of aluminum and aluminum alloys. This specification has been approved by all the departments and agencies of the US Department of Defense (DOD) and has also been adopted by other industries as well. Chem Film is also a great pre-treatment for Military Application Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) specification liquid paints and Powder Coatings. Metal Chem Inc. has developed an approved immersion process in full compliance with this specification.
Chem Film Details
Chemical Film (Chem Film), coatings are gelatinous films which provide a barrier to retard corrosion on aluminum surfaces and enhance adhesion of subsequent coatings such as paints and primers. Materials used produce coatings that range in color from clear to iridescent yellow or brown. They are electrically conductive to give a measure of corrosion protection.
The corrosion protection extent among other benefits offered by this Chemical Conversion Coating process is dependent on the specified Type and Class used which is directly linked to the required application. This process is classified by two types based on the desirable surface finish appearance along with the parts chemical composition. Additionally, we offer different classes based on the materials which form protective coatings by chemical reaction with aluminum and aluminum alloys.
METAL CHEM PROUDLY OFFERS A CRANE SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS US TO PROCESS PARTS UP TO 1000 LBS
Compositions containing hexavalent chromium. This coating type commonly appears to be gold in color, but in some cases may be optionally specified as color free or clear.
MIL-DTL-5541 Type I is also known as sodium dichromate or hex chrome because it contains hexavalent chromium. It was commonly used in the past and was known as chromate conversion until other, safer chemicals came into use.
Compositions containing no hexavalent chromium. This coating film commonly appears to have no color also known as Clear Chem Film.
MIL-DTL-5541 Type 2 is known as hex-free chromate and is now the preferred MIL-DTL-5541 standard in numerous industries. Here the hex chrome has been replaced with the safer zirconium, titanium, or trivalent chromium.
For maximum protection against corrosion, painted or unpainted. This is a relatively thick coating used as a final finish or pre-treatment to apply subsequent liquid paint or powder coatings.
For protection against corrosion where low electrical resistance is required. This class provides a corrosion preventive film for electrical and electronic applications where lower-resistance contacts relative to Class 1A coatings.
Metal Chem Inc. offers the following Types of Chem Film Conversion Coatings:
- TYPE I, CLASS 1A & III (GOLD)
- TYPE II, CLASS 1A & III (CLEAR)
- TYPE II, CLASS 1A & III ROHS COMPLIANT (CLEAR)
AC7108/11 – NADCAP Audit Criteria for Conversion Coating:
- Aluminum
- Aluminum, Non–Hexavalent Chrome Alternatives
CHEM FILM MIL-C-5541/ MIL-DTL-5541 AND TT-C-490 SPECIFICATIONS
chem film conversion coating
Our Quality System
With a facility that boasts more than 15,000 square feet, our headquarters includes an in-house laboratory and state-of-the-art technology that’s unparalleled in the metal application industry. You can feel confident that your project is in the hands of experts – our team of control managers has decades of experience in the science of metal finishing, metal plating, and chemistry.
NADCAP Audit Criteria for Solution Analysis and Testing
- B10 – Adhesion Testing
- B14 – Conductivity Testing
- B16 – Coating Thickness Measurement
- B21 – Paint Color and Gloss Testing
- B22 – Solvent Resistance Testing
- B23 – Other Testing In Support of AC7108
CHEM FILM Quality Control
From Start To Finish
1
Metal Prep + Masking
At Metal Chem, we take the necessary steps to prep your metal prior to chem film application. If masking is required, our team includes dedicated experts that handle the masking in-house.
2
Metal Application
Metal Chem Inc. maintains the appropriate process controls for our chemical conversion and electroplating processes which require titration, coating weights, pH, and TDS verification.
3
QA Inspection
Metal Chem uses sophisticated process controls and analysis to ensure all of our final products meet the standards of our accreditations and mil-spec testing validation requirements.
Who We Help
Aerospace & Military Metal Applications Approvals
Since 1991, Metal Chem Inc. has become one of the premiere metal plating and finishing companies in the country. Our NADCAP accreditation has allowed us to proudly fulfill the metal application needs of top technology pioneers in the aerospace, military and naval industries. As an industry leader in spec plating and metal finishing, our team has decades of experience handling complex projects that require a sophisticated level of detail.
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
You ask, we answer
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the chem film process.
Chem film is a chemical conversion coating that’s mostly used to protect aluminum from corrosion. It’s primarily used to passivate aluminum as it protects this metal and serves as a base for paint coatings.
Chem film goes by several different names and designations:
- Chromate conversion coating
- Alodine
- Iridite coating
- Yellow iridate
Yes. Metal Chem has received the Chemical Processing Accreditation from NADCAP, which covers audit criteria for the chem film process.
CHEM FILM MIL-C-5541/ MIL-DTL-5541 AND TT-C-490 SPECIFICATIONS
Metal Chem Inc. proudly offers a crane system that allows us to process parts up to 1000 lbs.
Chem film coating is heavily used in the aerospace industry for the following applications:
- Aircraft hulls
- Side and torsion struts
- Shock absorbers
- Landing gear
- Parts of the flight control system (the rudder system, wing portions, etc.)
Other industries that also benefit from chem film are the electrical, military and defense, and the maritime industry.
Get in Touch
Phone
(818) 727-9951
info@metalcheminc.com
Address
21514 Nordhoff Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311