INCERTEC

Anodized aluminum products are everywhere. From the carabiners on your backpack to the iPhone in your pocket, this electrolytic anodic process is a practical method for manufacturers looking to make their aluminum stronger so it lasts longer in high-pressure situations. The anodized layer of protection resists corrosion and minimizes the impact of blunt forces and scratches.

Another metal that’s manufactured to last longer is stainless steel. This versatile metal thrives in hygienic environments. Medical equipment and cookware need to be durable but easily sterilized so it’s safe to use repeatedly. That’s why manufacturers often turn to stainless steel as their material of choice.

Both anodized aluminum and stainless steel are great options when corrosion-resistance is paramount. But they both offer different qualities depending on the part you’re creating. Anodized aluminum is a third of the weight as stainless steel making it great for aircraft. However, the strength and thermal properties of stainless steel make it the preferred metal for modern buildings.

One of the main differences between the metals is how they corrode, which is an important consideration to make before manufacturing any part.

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How Aluminum and Stainless Steel Corrode Differently

While stainless steel is known for being corrosion-resistant, when it’s paired with other elements, it can respond differently when exposed to corrosive environments. That’s why stainless steel comes in different grades to protect itself given the application. Here are the ways stainless steel can be threatened by corrosion.

• Pitting corrosion: This localized corrosion occurs when the environment contains chlorides.
• Crevice corrosion: This occurs when there is a low amount of oxygen and a buildup of chlorides.
• Galvanic corrosion: This type of corrosion happens when dissimilar metals are in contact with the same erosive force such as rain or condensation.
• Stress corrosion cracking (SCC): Mainly an issue for austenitic stainless steel, SCC is when a crack grows on the surface of the steel.
• Intergranular corrosion: Also known as an intergranular attack (IGA), this corrosion occurs when the steel has been continuously exposed to heat between 800 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of corrosion begins inside the steel.

Aluminum alone does corrode, but it doesn’t rust like steel. Aluminum is most susceptible to galvanic and pitting corrosion.

Galvanic corrosion occurs when aluminum comes in contact with a precious metal such as steel and copper. Instead of creating rust, the aluminum will break down resulting in a dull appearance.

Pitting corrosion also impacts the appearance of aluminum more than its functionality. This type of corrosion happens when chlorides are present in the environment. Pitting can also happen when the aluminum is exposed to environments beyond the 4 to 9 pH range. The more basic or acidic the environment, the faster aluminum will break down. Concrete, for example, has a pH value of around 12.5 and 13.5. This creates extreme pitting corrosion on aluminum.

Anodizing aluminum will help protect the metal from wearing down and corroding quickly in these difficult environments where exposure to harmful elements are imminent.

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How to Anodize Aluminum

Aluminum anodizing is a controlled electrochemical process in which an oxide (anodic) layer is chemically built on the surface of the metal. This oxide layer acts as an insulator and can be dyed in a wide variety of colors.

Anodizing provides surface corrosion protection along with an excellent substrate for decorative finishes. The hardness of the aluminum is increased to a hardness of 48 to 55 on the Rockwell C scale. Unanodized aluminum has a Rockwell hardness of 38 to 44.

Hardcoat anodizing is a highly abrasion-resistant, non-conductive aluminum oxide (Al2O3-xH2O) coating that makes an aluminum surface harder than tool steel due to greater thickness and weight than conventional anodic coatings. Anodic coatings form an excellent base for dry film lubricants, Teflon, paint, and adhesives. The hardness of the aluminum is increased to a hardness of 60 to 70 on the Rockwell C scale.

How to Stress Relieve Aluminum

The stress-relieving temperature is normally between 550 and 650°C for aluminum parts. Soaking time is about one to two hours. After the soaking time, the components should be cooled down slowly in the furnace or in air. A slow cooling speed is important to avoid tensions caused by temperature differences in the material, this is especially important when stress relieving larger components.

If necessary, stress relieving can be performed in a furnace with protective gas to protect surfaces from oxidation. In extreme conditions, vacuum furnaces can be used.

Can You Anodize Stainless Steel?

The oxide layer added to aluminum during the anodizing process has the inverse effect on steel and ultimately creates rust. While you can anodize steel, it would do more harm than good.

What you can do to stainless steel to make it more corrosion resistant is use a process called plating or conversion coating. This type of metal finishing helps protect the steel in corrosive environments so it holds together during regular, high-impact use.

How Does Corrosion Occur Between Anodized Aluminum and Stainless Steel?

When joined together in a similar environment, corrosion can occur between anodized aluminum and stainless steel. Localized corrosion occurs because the oxidation of aluminum during the anodizing process makes it passive. The oxidation can dissolve when it contacts strong acid or alkaline solutions. The removal of this oxide film starts the corrosion of the aluminum.

Another risk is when the anodized aluminum and stainless steel are in contact. Alone, aluminum is an unnoble metal and if it comes in contact with a noble metal, such as stainless steel, galvanic corrosion can occur. Theoretically, this will happen if the anodized layer cracks after continuous pressure. The “unlayered” aluminum will be directly exposed to a large area of stainless steel, resulting in rapid corrosion.

While anodized aluminum and stainless steel offer stronger corrosion-resistance than most metals, they can still be exposed over time. And when put together, corrosion can still occur. If you have any questions about anodizing or how you should finish your metal part, our team is more than happy to help you through the process. If you now know what you need, our team is ready to start the anodizing or other metal finishing process.

The leadership of INCERTEC has been pivotal in forming a comprehensive plan to become an environmentally-friendly plating company.

Green initiatives influence virtually all aspects of INCERTEC’s business practices, from corporate offices to facility floor, to storage rooms. These initiatives are core to our philosophy of operating an innovative, certified, and technology-driven environmentally friendly plating company. INCERTEC works with independent consultants, as well as state and federal entities on an ongoing basis to reduce waste, recycle products and materials, and improve asset recovery.

Through recent business expansion, INCERTEC has increased process capabilities by 500% while reducing the need for natural resources through different innovations such as our water recycling system and replacing of fluorescent lighting. In our commitment to prevent pollution INCERTEC strives to produce plating finishes of the highest quality while reducing the need for natural resources and protecting land and waterways.

INCERTEC reduction efforts include

• Reducing our carbon footprint by ongoing replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED lighting
• Recycling 100% of our rinse water
• Reducing our water usage by 50% while increasing our process capabilities by 500%
• Recycling of scrap and unused metals
• Actively using timers on manufacturing equipment to reduce energy consumption
• Taking proactive maintenance steps to keep our equipment running at maximum efficiency
• Continuous improvement of recycling programs and reduction efforts
• Continuous waste reduction efforts

INCERTEC Environmental Policy

INCERTEC is dedicated to environmental improvements that foster a sustainable future and lead to social and economic improvements in the communities in which we do business.

INCERTEC prides itself on doing quality work as efficiently as possible. Recently, we were rewarded for our efforts when we were listed in Product Finishing magazine’s “Top Shops of 2018” list. This is an incredible honor that says a lot about the present and future of INCERTEC and our processes. Learn more about what designated us as not only one of the top finishing shops in Minnesota, but one of the best metal finishing shops in North America.

About the Honor

Receiving a designation as one of the top finishing shops in North America by Products Finishing magazine is a great honor, and being named one of the best electroplating companies means you have a commitment to innovation and quality. Everyone on the list is dedicated to coming up with new ideas and solutions, which benefits customers and the plating and finishing industry in general.

How It Was Determined

Products Finishing magazine conducts an extensive benchmarking survey in order to compile their list. The magazine partners with Gardner Intelligence, and the Top Shops Benchmarking Survey generates data that is designed to help shop owners increase efficiency and productivity in their shops. Hundreds of finishing companies are analyzed and graded in multiple areas, including:

• Finishing Practices and Performances
• Current Finishing Technology
• Training and Human Resources
• Business Strategies and Performances

Once all the grades are given, the shops that scored in the top 50 are given the honor of being placed in the magazine.

What This Means for the Future

Innovative. Certified. Technical. Not only do these three words make up the INCERTEC name, but they also make up three of our core values. We use our relationships with people in the industry to engineer new solutions for challenging projects. Not only does being named a “Top Shop” show consistent performance, but it also shows a commitment to quality on each and every finishing and plating job.

The future is bright at INCERTEC. We have established ourselves as one of the fastest growing metal finishing shops in North America, and we don’t plan on slowing down. We are making strides towards the future as we continue settling into our new state-of-the-art facility. This facility allows us to have more automation within our processes and use all of the newest technology and equipment to create better solutions.

This is a great honor for INCERTEC, but it doesn’t mean we are going to rest on our accomplishments. Recognition like this only further motivates our team to come up with new and innovative solutions for your metal finishing and electroplating needs. We are more committed than ever to provide you with the best services possible and to get you the results that you deserve.

Are you ready to work with one of the top electroplating and metal finishing shops on the continent? Contact INCERTEC today!

Incertec is committed to finding the best solutions for our customers no matter how challenging the task. We specialize in highly precise gold plating and work closely with customers on each project until we deliver the exact result needed.

Read our case study below about plating for the oil industry to see a specific example of this dedication in action.

Project Outline & Needs

A long-term partner in the oil industry needed a custom plating solution for a very specific part.

The problem they faced was needing precision gold plating for a very selective area on a part that also needed to be moisture resistant and durable.

The part they were currently using didn’t have optimal longevity, so they reached out to us because of our familiarity with their industry and our proven ability to deliver on results for them.

The Design Process

This was a new challenge for both the customer and Incertec at the time, so we collaborated closely on the first iteration throughout the design, trials, and production phases.

The O-rings on previous versions would wear down over time and not tighten and seal as well as we liked, so we went into a redesign phase and selected a different material to increase the longevity.

Masking off all other areas of the part from the plating solution was a very intricate process, so we not only custom engineered a masking solution for the part but also designed reusable masks.

Conclusion

We successfully developed a reliable, reusable masking and plating solution that our customer was 100% satisfied with.

To start work on your own custom plating project, contact us today and begin the conversation.

The Meaning Behind the Name INCERTEC

Incertec – Innovative – Certified – Technical

Incertec prides themselves on being a leader in the metal finishing industry, but how do they stay ahead of the competition? Every business decision is made with three words in mind: Innovative, Certified, and Technical. As a company, they find new ways to plate the toughest projects, in the most challenging industries, and does it over and over again.

Innovative

Through solid relationships with customers, vendors, and channel partners Incertec works to engineer solutions for new and challenging finishing projects. They partner with their customers and provide engineered solutions by:

• Creating chemistries for unique finishing projects that are not typically available at other shops
• Developing all new processes for uncommon materials
• Finding solutions for challenging masking projects

When it comes to the most unique pieces or processes Incertec never backs down from a challenge.

Certified

Certifications provide peace of mind and a guarantee to Incertec’s customers of consistent performance. They have completed the requirements for:

• National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP)
• AS9100
• ISO 9001
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• License (FFL)
• Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)

These certifications are hard proof of their commitment to quality on every job. As they move into their new facility they have been diligent in updating their certifications to guarantee a smooth transition for all clients.

Technical

The medical and aerospace industries require that Incertec retains all documents electronically. Every part and process at Incertec is documented to the standards of NADCAP so they can deliver consistent and traceable results every time.

Beyond industry requirements, Incertec’s brand new, state-of-the-art facility offers consistent chemistry, and more automation throughout the process than before.

To ensure their consistency Incertec employees a host of specialists and equipment to ensure that every piece that leaves their factory is of the highest quality.

Through their innovative methods, certified processes and technical abilities Incertec looks forward to partnering with their customers to provide solutions to any of their finishing needs.

If you have a new or unique projects that you are struggling to find a plater that can meet your requirements or provide the finishes that you are looking for contact us, or request a quote.

INCERTEC will begin offering electroless nickel immersion gold plating (ENIG) services at our Fridley production facility. This capability will allow us to protect electroless nickel-plated parts.

What Is ENIG Plating?

ENIG is a surface plating process that applies a layer of gold on top of a component that’s been plated with electroless nickel. This layer is meant to cover and protect the plated part from oxidation, which can jeopardize the strength and longevity of the part.

To implement this process, INCERTEC created a specific proprietary ENIG plating chemistry that deposits an autocatalytic coating onto stainless steel, steel, alloy 42 & 52, Kovar, copper, brass and aluminum.

ENIG plating capabilities are commonly used for preserving components that can be used in the aerospace industry.

The uniform plating deposit gives ENIG many advantages. It’s also reliable for soldering and bonding. The process offers complete coverage for uniquely shaped parts that traditional electrolytic plating cannot reach.

“Offering electroless nickel immersion gold plating is another way we’re widening our horizons as an electroplating company,” said INCERTEC President Rob Clark. “We hope this plating technique will help more manufacturers create more practical products consumers can enjoy.”

The new ENIG process will be an added plating service offered by INCERTEC. Here are our other plating capabilities:

• Cadmium Plating
• Copper Plating
• Electroless Nickel Plating
• Electrolytic Nickel Plating
• Gold Plating
• Silver Plating
• Tin Plating

Manufacturers can request a quote by contacting INCERTEC.

Updated April 13, 2020

A Message to Our Customers:

Due to the statewide shortage in medical supplies, INCERTEC is proud to announce our donation of personal protection equipment (PPE) to the Salvation Army. The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched the healthcare industry thin on the protective equipment needed to safely fight this virus. We’re happy we could lend a helping hand during these difficult times.

We would also like to update our customers on how our company is handling the ongoing pandemic.

Here at INCERTEC, health and safety are our number one goal. Plating operations are inherently dangerous with various harsh chemicals. However, COVID-19 presents a new kind of threat that creates a different type of reaction.

As of right now, INCERTEC is not changing business hours or halting operations. Our entire staff is taking extra precautionary measures with hygiene, including limiting person-to-person contact during shipping and receiving and wearing gloves while handling product. Additionally, all customer and supplier visits are rescheduled until after May 3, in accordance with Governor Walz’s Stay At Home order.

Besides this additional level of precaution, everything is business as usual for us at INCERTEC.

We need to use common sense in our interactions, and we ask all employees, customers and suppliers to take similar precautions. We value the safety of our workforce not just because they are employees, but because we work together. Let’s be safe.

Take care,

The INCERTEC team