Chem Film/Iridite (also known as Chromate Conversion Coating)

Chem Film is a chemical process that produces a protective chromate conversion film on aluminum and aluminum alloys.  Application is by dip, spray or swab, producing coatings that range from clear to dark yellow.  The darker coatings provide the greatest corrosion protection.  The coating can be used as a final finish and can also serve as a base for paints and high performance top coats, lacquers, or a base for rubber bonding.

For Peak Corrosion Resistance
By chemically reacting with the metal being treated, the Chem Film solution forms a thin (.00002 max.) gel-like complex chromate film over the entire surface of the part.  The film is integral with the metal itself and thus cannot flake, chip or peel.  Being non-porous and resistant to moisture damage, the Chem Film protects the underlying metal from corrosion.

Generally, the degree of corrosion protection varies with the thickness of the Chem Film.  Thicker films are naturally more protective.  Also, because they are thicker, they are more apparent to visual inspection.  Chem Film is widely approved for government and industrial specification finishing.

For Lasting Paint Base
By providing a non-porous, non-crystalline surface to receive the paint film, the Chem Film coating secures initial paint adhesion by molecular attraction.  Lasting adhesion is assured because the Chem Film blocks moisture penetration through the pores in the paint and blocks the formation of paint lifting metallic soaps.  In addition, the film blocks migration of corrosion from scratch marks.  Because the gel-like Chem Film is non-adsorptive, you can save up to 10% of the paint required to cover a given area.

Chem Film simplifies the paint system for maximum quality and performs equally well under baked or air-dried organic finishers.