Titanium Finishing Co.

Philosophy TFC has been performing IVD Aluminum Coating using the process originally developed by McDonnell Douglass since the early 1980’s as an accepted, production proven alternative to cadmium plating. Unlike cadmium plating, the process requires no pollution control or cleanup costs, does not contaminate the environment once out in the field, and is more effective in acidic and industrial environments. TFC has always been committed to green alternatives and limiting its impact on future generations. Process Ion Vapor Deposition (IVD) of aluminum is a vacuum plating process which ionizes and deposits high purity aluminum on a wide variety of substrates. The process is similar to conventional plating operations, in that it requires strict preparatory steps, processing time and finishing measures for parts to have proper coating adhesion, uniformity and smoothness upon completion. Following the cleaning and pretreatment steps, parts can be selectively masked to prevent build up in threaded holes andor surfaces as desired. After racking or barrel plating, and the coating has been built to the prescribed thickness, parts are removed from the vacuum chamber and undergo a glass bead peen to compact the aluminum, as well as check for adhesion and to cosmetically improve the appearance of the finished product. The glass bead peen is a 100% quality check, as any flaw in the coating adhesion would become apparent at this time. Optional post-treatment with a chromate conversion coating can prepare the aluminum surface for additional finishing, and improves the overall corrosion performance of the coating. Benefits & Properties There are many reasons for choosing IVD Aluminum coating, but the following are the most common combinations of substrates and operating environments: IVD Aluminum on Steel Substrate This process provides excellent “sacrificial” corrosion resistance with no hydrogen embrittlement. A Class 1 coating (or 0.001-0.0015” thick coating) averages 7, 500 hour life in 5% neutral salt. Other benefits include a useful operating temperature up to 925°F and galvanic compatibility with other aluminum structures. IVD Aluminum on Heat and Corrosion Resistant Alloys: Provides the same benefits as with steel, plus oxidation resistance at high temperature as-deposited, and significantly higher after high-temperature diffusion. The coating may be deposited directly on the substrate without special preparation such as nickel strike. 
IVD Aluminum on Titanium Substrate: Provides the same benefits as with steel, plus the coating can be anodized or hard anodized to improve wear resistance, low absorption-high emissivity, dielectric, color and all other desirable properties of anodic coatings on aluminum. The coating also retards titanium combustion and permits painting and adhesive bonding using the same techniques as used on aluminum. IVD Aluminum on Aluminum Substrate: Adds corrosion resistance to high strength aluminum alloys without compromising fatigue resistance, as will occur with anodizing. Allows use of casting and microcrystalline alloys in applications normally restricted to wrought materials. Provides corrosion resistance in applications where electrical continuity or bond is required, eliminating “jumper” connections. Specifications 
MIL-C-83488 or MIL-DTL-83488
 Class 1: 0.0010” minimum thickness Class 2: .0005” minimum thickness Class 3: .0003” minimum thickness Type I (Without Chromate Conversion Coating) Type II (With Chromate Conversion Coating per MIL-C-5541, Class 1A available) 

AMS2427
 Dash number “-3”: 0.0003” to .0008” thick Dash number “-5”: 0.0005” to .0010” thick Dash number “-10”: 0.0010” to 0.0015” thick (Chromate Conversion Coating per MIL-C-5541, Class 1A available) Features 
Increases Corrosion-Resistance 
Increases Galvanic Compatibility Increases Useful Operating Temperature Non-Toxic, Non-Hazardous, Non-Polluting Suitable Base for Paints & Solid Film Lubricants Uniformity

Philosophy TFC has over thirty years of experience in hard anodizing aluminum, having installed the process in 1981 in an effort to diversify its markets served. In this time, TFC has grown accustom to the intricacies and boundaries of each alloy, and the optimal conditions needed to produce a superior product while maintaining low overhead costs which can be passed on to our customers. With an emphasis on functionality of the coating, coupled with strict quality and process procedures, our hard anodize will permit the use of aluminum in applications where it would not otherwise be a suitable option. Process TFC’s process uses a low-voltage current and bath cooling to virtually eliminate the common problem of burning and catastrophic dissolution of customer parts to significantly improve the properties of the aluminum. The recommended thickness for optimal hardness, corrosion protection and durability is 0.002”, with +-.0004” tolerance per the military specification. This thickness is 50% build up, and 50% penetration, making the coating an integral part of the base aluminum itself once completed. Color options offered at TFC are a natural finish (no dyes used) in which the resulting color is a function of the alloy, thickness and bath temperature, or the option to dye black, as we are more focused on the functionality of the coating rather than its decorative appearance. Due to the micro pore structure indicative of hard anodize, the coating readily accepts the black dye andor post-treatment PTFE for increased lubricity. 
TFC specializes in masking surfaces, threaded and reamed holes to manage any coverage areas that may be adversely affected dimensionally by the hard anodize build up at your request. Currently, the largest working tank size available at TFC is 69” x 48” x 48” dimensionally. Benefits and Properties Hardness Hard anodize at its optimal 0.002” thickness, has been measured up to Rockwell 70C making the hardness of the aluminum oxide surface equivalent to the surface of case-hardened steel. Corrosion Resistance An exceptional means for enhancing corrosion resistance, hard anodize is highly stable and will guard well against atmospheric and salt-induced corrosion. In marine applications, hard anodized aluminum has withstood five years of immersion with virtually no effect. While chemical resistance is typically poor beyond mild acids and weak bases, teflon impregnation can be integrated for enhanced performance in these conditions.
Hard anodize is an excellent choice if galvanic corrosion would otherwise prevent the use of aluminum in an application, as it allows for a neutral mate with dissimilar metals. Electrically Non-Conductive Hard anodized aluminum is widely used for its dielectric effect, and is an electrical insulator comparable to glass or porcelain. In applications where glass or porcelain would not have the strength or wear resistance to be a suitable substrate, hard anodized aluminum is an excellent alternative. Low Thermal Conductivity Heat transfer occurs at a lower rate across the hard anodized aluminum than it would on the bare substrate, making it a suitable thermal insulator depending on operating temperature and conditions. Hard anodized aluminum remains effective in high operating temperatures. Increased Lubricity Teflon (PTFE) can be applied to the hard anodized surface while the pore structure is still open, immediately after coating. The PTFE penetrates the surface of the hard anodize and becomes an intrinsic part of the coating. With more use, the lubricity of the coating increases creating an excellent surface for sliding part applications. Additionally, the lowered coefficient of friction helps to prevent most solid substances from adhering to the coated surface for better release. Workability After hard anodize, the part may be machined, ground, honed, lapped or stripped to remove areas of the coating. Additionally, hard anodize produces a suitable base for paints, adhesives or the application of solid film lubricants without the use of a conversion coating. Specifications AMS 2482, Type I AMS 2468 & AMS 2469 MIL-A-8625, Type III, Class 1 (Natural), Class 2(Dyed black) 
Mil STD 171, Para. 7.5.1; Para. 7.5.2 MIL-A-63576A, Type I ASTM-B580-79, Type A Features Hardness Values of 70 Rockwell C 
Corrosion Protection 
Increased Wear Resistance 
Excellent Insulator Effective in Operating Temperatures of over 500°F 
Galvanic Neutrality

Philosophy Titanium Finishing Company started developing proprietary processes for functional anodizing in 1970 as an answer to galling issues in installing titanium fasteners into aircraft skins. It was found that anodizing titanium prevented this issue in metal-to-metal contact applications, and its use has spun off into various markets including, but not limited to medical, subsea and other aerospace operations. Process Functional titanium anodize is achieved by varying the mass of the oxide layer that naturally occurs on the titanium base metal beyond the initial rainbow of colors produced. Titanium Finishing Company can anodize pure titanium and its alloys in a range of thicknesses and colors to meet a variety of end user requirements and specifications. Each of the processes can be selectively masked for coverage, depending on individual needs. Tifin 400, “Fluffy Oxide” – Color is brown or gray, depending on the alloy. Thickness is measured at 0.0003 to 0.0005” growth. Tifin 200, “Lusterless Gray” – Color is a matte gray. This process creates no dimensional change and thus minimizes the need for masking of threaded holes and dowels. Also known as “Type 2” anodize. Tifin 200, Type IV – Same as above, post-treated with PTFE (Teflon) Impregnation for added lubricity. Tifin 300, Optical Gray for low emissivity – Color is a dark, charcoal gray. Thickness is measured at 0.0002 to 0.0004” growth. Specifications TFC operates under its proprietary process parameters and closely monitors the composition of its baths and use of voltages to create smooth, uniform anodize on titanium. In addition to the specifications listed below, Titanium Finishing Company anodizes in accordance with over twenty customer-written designations, each with their own parameters and uses in mind. AMS2488, Type II or “Type 2 Anodize” AMS2487 Features Prevents Fretting & Galling Prevents High Temperature Oxidation & Chloride Stress Corrosion Improves Emissivity Properties Increases Lubricity Non-toxic & Biocompatible Repeatability Stable, Unfading Tones Suitable Base for Paints, Adhesives & Lubricants

Philosophy Titanium Finishing Company has been anodizing titanium using its proprietary formula since 1970, when Melvin Faul, the founder of TFC, invented his process for color coding and product appeal enhancement for titanium products. Our time-tested process found its beginnings in his small apartment kitchen, and over the past 40 years, has evolved and expanded to become an industry leader with three full-time, full-size, state of the art custom anodize lines. TFC continues to put great focus on quality, reproducibly, timeliness and overall customer satisfaction into each and every part that passes through the facility. Process Titanium anodize is an electrochemical process that varies the mass of the oxide layer that naturally occurs on the titanium base metal. By varying this mass using different voltages, a wide range of unique colors can be produced without the use of dyes or harsh brighteners, leaving the chemistry and structure of the substrate unchanged. The colors in this spectrum can be seen when light waves bounce off of the stabilized oxide layer, and the result is a color that will not fade, discolor or change as may occur with organic dyes and pigments. TFC’s process provides strict control of the titanium oxide formation to guarantee excellent repeatability of each color within a very narrow range. Because the colors are a natural function of the titanium base, products anodized even years apart will match the original color standard. TFC guarantees to match the color of any part anodized by another company. Reasons to Add Some Color to Your Titanium General color-coding ProductPart Identification 
Material Identification 
Size Identification Corporate Color Matching Product Appeal Enhancement & Branding 
General Aesthetics Reduces Error in AssemblyUse Instant Recognition 
Artistic Appeal Mercury Free, RoHS Compliant, REACH Compliant Process SEE OUR COLORS Specifications TFC operates under its proprietary process parameters or specific customer requirements as needed for color titanium anodize, as there is no true and explicit specification for the process as presented. TFC’s process has been validated and proven to meet the quality standards of inquiring customers for over 40 years. Visit our Titanium Anodize Color Selector Chart to explore TFC’s specific color designations. (Link to Titanium Anodize Color Selector Chart) Please note that the colors shown in the Titanium Anodize Color Selector Chart are for general reference only and may be affected by your computer screen. Feel free to contact us for a free sample for testing today! Features Wide Variety of Brilliant, Natural Colors Repeatability 
Stable, Unfading Color Biocompatibility 
Surface Lubricity
Suitable Base for Paints, Adhesives & Lubricants

Philosophy Solid film lubricants, also known in the industry as “dry film lubes”, were introduced at TFC to be used as a post-treatment, sacrificial coating on aerospace fasteners in the 1970’s. Specific lubricants were chosen per various customer requests to best fit their needs. No two problems were exactly alike, ranging from the need for additional lubricity, difficult operating temperatures and wear resistance issues, to high load pressures, chemical exposure and lack of access for maintenance of traditional wet lubricants. TFC turned to Everlube Products for their expertise and high quality lubricants, and continues to apply their time-tested products today. Process TFC maintains both automated and manual facilities for the application of solid film lubricants, with various sized spray booths, fixturing and curing ovens to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes. The coatings can be applied to the entire part, or masked for selective surface treatment where applicable. TFC offers solid film lubricants as a stand-alone process, or as a value-added post-treatment to both TFC’s titanium anodize and hard anodize of aluminum. There are a wide variety of solid film lubricants available on the market to fit your custom needs, so please see the Technical Data Sheets provided for specific product solutions, benefits and directive compliances. If you are interested in a product that you do not see listed in the specifications or technical data sheets, feel free to ask us if we would be interested in researching and applying a new product. Specifications TFC provides solid film lubricant coatings to aerospace, industrial, and the following military specifications: MIL-L-46010, Type I or Type II MIL-L-81329A Customer drawn specifications and parameters Features Increased Lubricity Protection from Corrosion & Chemicals Increased Wear Resistance Sacrificial Coating Broad range of operating temperatures & environments available High Load Capacity No maintenance required, unlike greases & oils