THE MICROLOK® AO COATING SYSTEM OFFERS THESE KEY BENEFITS:
MODERATE TEMPERATURE AND SAFE OPERATION - At 150° F, the MICROLOK AO working bath temperature is equivalent to that of a standard zinc phosphate, and well below the 200 degree temperature required for most manganese phosphates. More importantly, the working solution has a very low acid content (pH = 5), making it far milder than conventional zinc phosphate baths (pH 1-2). Low acidity makes the MICROLOK AO process safer to operate and eliminates the risk of hydrogen embrittlement of sensitive alloys.
NO EPA REGULATED METAL CONTENT – The MICROLOK AO process contains NO EPA Regulated metals, so the rinsewaters are normally sewerable as non-hazardous discharge. (The solution does contain aluminum and iron – both classified as non-hazardous by EPA and RCRA).
NO SCALING OF TANKS & HEATERS - Process line maintenance is easy because the bath generates only a light floc precipitate, with no scale build-up on tanks and immersion heaters.
FINE-GRAINED COATING - The MICROLOK AO finish is a smooth, silver-black deposit that enhances the sales appeal of any surface that does not require a black finish, but does need an attractive appearance and robust corrosion protection.
SHORT PROCESS/LOW OPERATING COST – For most parts, the MICROLOK AO process line requires only five steps and about 16 minutes, as outlined below. Capital costs are low because no waste treatment equipment is needed. And chemical operating costs are also quite low – competitive with phosphates, in most cases.
HIGH HEAT STABILITY, HIGH ABSORBENCY – The MICROLOK AO coating serves as an excellent absorbent base for paint finishes or stamping lubricants and is stable to temperatures as high as 1400° F (phosphates decompose at 500° F).
