Chemkote question

[TIP AND RING]

Will the application of a internal coating of Chemkote harm the thermal path of a metal reflector in a aluminum flashlight? I have several parts at a anodizer, the MSDS sheet is inconclusive. Do I coat up to the reflectors final set or leave that few millimeters plugged and masked? It's gonna be a long working day tomorrow, so I'm not ignoring any responses or questions, just not on the board. Thanks.

 

[cy]

chemcoat will not effect thermal path or conductivity of aluminum parts. look inside an ARC or Surefire and you will find chemcoat.

Will the application of a internal coating of Chemkote harm the thermal path of a metal reflector in a aluminum flashlight? I have several parts at a anodizer, the MSDS sheet is inconclusive. Do I coat up to the reflectors final set or leave that few millimeters plugged and masked? It's gonna be a long working day tomorrow, so I'm not ignoring any responses or questions, just not on the board. Thanks.

 

[Trashman]

You don't need to mask it.

 

[FirstDsent]

These two respondants above are assuming that you mean the tan/orange tint on bare aluminum like on SureFire threads. The most common product used to create this coating is Alodine 1201. You can download the PDF datasheet from Henkel Aerospace Group HERE. Alodine is often refered to as "chemcoat". It is used in marine, aviaton, and aerospace industries to inhibit corrosion on bare aluminum, and provide an excellent surface for paint adhesion. chemcoat will not interfere with the thermal or electrical path, as it is not actually a coating. It changes the mollecular structure of the surface mollecules of the aluminum. HOWEVER, if you are talking about the anodizing itself, YES, type III anodizing (or hardcoat anodizing) will act as a thermal and electrical insulator. The effect is nominal, and probably not important in the thicknesses at which it is applied (<5 microns).

I'm not sure about type II, but I believe that it is at least somewhat insulative.

Bernie

 

[TIP AND RING]

Thanks for the replies. The shop said it wouldn't, but I wanted to verify with another knowledgeable source. These are being placed in baths with a very large aerospace order. Any changes I make to the coatings after the signed agreement is very costly.

 

[Trashman]

I was told that the chemkote was actually supposed to improve electrical conductivity. I would guess that also means it would improve thermal conductivity, as well. It has absolutely no wear resistance, btw.