Last Updated on January 13, 2023 by Leizi
Many kinds of metal are ideal materials in machining, some of which are famous for high strength, anti-corrosion, and durability. But, no matter how corrosion resistant and durable the metal parts are, it is inevitable that these parts will corrode in a certain period of time.
How to enhance the corrosion resistance of metals is a problem. It involves many aspects: product design, material selection, surface treatment,environment. This article will start from these aspects to analyze how to improve the corrosion resistance of metals through these methods.
1. Product Design
An excellent product design can reduce the degree of corrosion effectively. For example, it should be avoided to design parts that are prone to moisture retention, because such designs can easily lead to crevice corrosion.
In addition, reasonable setting of wall thickness is equally necessary. If the product is used in a chemical environment, a certain amount of corrosion allowance must be reserved to prolong the lifespan of the products.
2. Material Selection
Different metals have different degrees of corrosion resistance. Some metal materials are of the very corrosion resistant type, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass.
When choosing a material, pay attention to its specific industry application. The environment of the shipping industry is humid, and metals are easily corroded. Then stainless steel, aluminum and brass are the first choice for its applicable materials.
3. Surface Treatment
After product processing, various surface treatments are effective steps to prevent metal corrosion. Common surface treatments used to prevent corrosion of metal parts include: anodizing, powder coating, electroplating, etc.
1) Anodizing
Anodizing is one of the surface treatments commonly used to prevent corrosion of aluminum parts. Compared with other metals, aluminum itself has a certain corrosion resistance.
Anodizing prevents the oxidation of aluminum materials by removing a layer of natural oxide film on the surface and adding a tighter oxide film on the surface.
Even if the oxidized aluminum parts are scratched, it still prevents rust to a certain extent.
2) Powder coating
This is a relatively economical and practical surface treatment. By spraying a powder coat on the metal surface, a barrier is formed to prevent corrosion. Some metal materials such as iron are prone to rust in a humid environment, and powder coating can effectively protect metal parts.
3) Plating
Electroplating applies a layer of metal to a metal surface through a chemical solution. Commonly used plating techniques include galvanizing and chrome plating.
4. Environmental Controlling
Controlling the environment is also vital factor in reducing the degree of corrosion of parts. For example, try to avoid placing metal parts in a humid place to prolong the lifespan of these parts.