Substrate surfaces need to be free of oil, grease, oxides and sulphides. Parts should be surface-treated and shipped to an electrolysis facility, where they will undergo further cleaning and surface treatment through a multiple cleaning process. The surface does not significantly alter the electrolysis process in configuration .
Clean surfaces are very important. When using traditional chrome plating, component failure is often incorrectly attributed to "flaking". This effect is actually due to residual contamination, which is covered or surrounded by electroplated chrome, which subsequently falls off due to sliding or other mechanical action. This leaves voids in the chrome plating, which can lead to further deterioration of the surface. Surfaces need to be free of scale and dirt to ensure better corrosion resistance. Any scale left on the surface will gradually rust and become the nucleus for additional rust formation.
On items that are to have a "stainless steel" look, every trace of limescale needs to be removed by grinding, pickling or polishing.
Electrolizing, Inc.'s solution is to use a multiple wash procedure. Multi-cleaning isn't a trade name, nor is it a novel or super-cleaning technology. It is simply a well-planned cleaning program with names prescribed for each individual part, utilizing all possible cleaning methods - such as steam degreasing; solvent, detergent, two-phase and alkaline cleaners; dry steam honing; electrolytic and ultrasonic cleaning ; vibration cleaning; and hydro jetting. A high level of quality control standards are maintained throughout , including microscopic before and after inspection of each part, intermittent inspections between processing stages and strict handling procedures.
Critical surfaces to be coated should be fully prepared before machining. For best results, the surface finish should be 32 RMS or better. The finer the surface, the better the electrolysis effect. This is true for finishes of 2 to 4 RMS or better. Surface finishes achieved by 4 RMS electrolysis or less may show some slight surface roughness after application. In most cases, these finishes can be tapped or polished back to their original condition. All surfaces should be free of plating. Nitrided parts should be machined or steam blasted before machining. Electrolytic coatings will not adhere to brazed or welded areas unless these areas have been machined or steam blasted to remove all impurities prior to machining. Unless otherwise specified, the coating shall be applied on all bases where metal working has been completed. This includes heat treating, stress relieving (where required), machining, brazing, welding and forming. Coatings should be applied directly to the base metal without any intermediate coating.
Electrolysis is a low temperature process. The temperature process of parts during cleaning and painting shall not exceed 180°F. The base metal is not deformed or annealed.
Typically, parts should be less than 20 feet in length, 30 inches in diameter, and weigh less than 4000 pounds. Exceeding these limits should be discussed with Electrolizing, Inc.
