Detailed Product Description:
Alodine® 1201, a registered trademark of Henkel Surface Technologies, is a chemical
treatment process for aluminum used to provide corrosion protection and as a surface
preparation for paint and adhesives. Sometimes called “aluminum passivation,” it
contains hexavalent chromium and is intended to provide corrosion prevention even
when left unpainted.
Chromate conversion is an excellent treatment method to prep aluminum prior to paint
or adhesives since it greatly enhances the ability of an organic coating to form a bond
with the aluminum substrate. Being a surface conversion treatment rather than a coating,
it will not alter the dimensions of the part.
It is frequently used on electrical and electronic equipment because it provides increased
corrosion resistance while remaining electrically conductive.
The Alodine process produces a microscopic thin film commonly prescribed on aluminum
to provide the following surface characteristics:
- High-adhesion surface preparation for paint
- Improves corrosion resistance
- Preserves electrical conductivity of surface
- No change in dimensions
Specification & Certifications:
Alodine 1200 methods and properties are defined by Mil-C-5541-F (Now AMS-C-5541)
and AMS-A-2473.
Application Notes:
The best results are achieved on wrought alloys (machined billet aluminum alloys).
Good results can also be achieved on type 356 aluminum castings. Type 380 die
casting alloys do not alodine well, however. It should also be noted that the
chemical film is fragile immediately after processing and a 24-hour waiting time
before handling the parts is preferable.
Applications in which temperatures can reach over 120ºF can break down the corrosion resistance
of the coating. In comparison to anodizing, this chemical film is more fragile and
not generally recommended for high-use areas.
This is a visible coating that leaves the surface with a golden coloration.
Surface Preparation:
Aluminum surfaces must be cleaned with a suitable etchant such as Alumiprep 33
or Metal Prep 79, followed by a water rinse.
Immersion Process:
To formulate bath, mix 33 parts Alodine solution with 67 parts of water. Immersion
time is 2 to 5 minutes. Application temperature can range from ambient up to 100ºF.
Rinse part thoroughly with water and allow to dry. Surface is ready for paint.
Brush-On Process:
Alodine solution may be applied by brush or sponge, by using undiluted directly from
container. Assure surface remains fully wet during required contact time of 2 to 5 minutes.
Rinse part with water and surface is ready for paint. 1 quart treats about 100 sq. ft.
Packaging/Size:
Comes packed in either 1-pint or 1-quart HDPE bottle with tamper-evident seal in heat-sealed poly bag.
Documentation:
Click here to download Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Click here to download Henkel Alodine 1201 Technical Process Bulletin
Click here to download copy of Mil-DTL-5541F
Click here to download copy of Mil-DTL-81706
Click here to download copy of QPL-81706