PIONEER FAQ
Anodize FAQ
What is anodizing?
What is the purpose of anodizing?
Is anodizing environmentally friendly?
What substrates or base metals can be anodized?
What is the difference between Type II “conventional anodize” and Type III “hard anodize”?
Is there a price difference between conventional and hard anodize?
What colors are available for anodize?
What alloys are best for anodizing?
What alloys are best for bright dip anodizing?
How much substrate material is removed during the Bright Dip process?
How much substrate material is removed during the etch process? (Acid & Alkaline)
Can anodize be welded or soldered?
Will anodize affect the adhesion of paint or subsequent coatings?
Will anodizing hide scratches?
Electroless Nickel FAQ
What are the benefits of electroless nickel plating?
What substrates can be electroless nickel plated?
What is the difference between electroless nickel and hard chrome?
Can an electroless nickel-plated part be stripped and replated?
Can an electroless nickel-plated part be replated without stripping?
What thickness tolerance is achievable with electroless nickel?
What is the maximum electroless nickel coating thickness achievable?
Why should you bake electroless nickel after plating?
What is hydrogen embrittlement?
Are there any negative impacts created during the baking process?
What does “high phos” electroless nickel refer to?
What is medium phos electroless nickel?
How do Pioneer Metal Finishing’s specialty electroless nickel processes differ from high and medium phos. processes?
General FAQ
How can I determine which process I should choose given the operating environment?
What information is needed to generate a quote?
What tests are performed to verify characteristics of various processes?
Anodize Answers
Anodize is a coating of aluminum oxide that is grown from the aluminum by passing an electrical current through an acid electrolyte bath in which the aluminum is immersed. The coating thickness and surface characteristics are tightly controlled to meet end product specifications. Aluminum oxide is an extremely hard material that approaches the hardness of a diamond. As a result, the aluminum oxide layer provides excellent wear and corrosion protection. [ back to top ]
General reasons for anodizing are: wear resistance, corrosion resistance, surface lubricity, heat dissipation, dielectric (non-conductive) properties, adhesion, and aesthetics. [ back to top ]
Yes, anodize does not entail the use of heavy metals nor does it produce toxic waste. Anodize meets the environmental and safety directives of the FDA, USDA, ELV, WEEE and RoHS. [ back to top ]
The three substrates that can be anodized are aluminum, titanium, and magnesium. Steel or stainless steel cannot be anodized. [ back to top ]
Type III or hard anodize offers a more dense aluminum oxide layer. To produce this requires increased electricity consumption and a super cooled electrolyte bath. Perhaps the best way to illustrate differences between type II “conventional anodize” and type III “hard anodize” is in the following chart. Notice the enhanced attributes of hard anodize versus conventional anodize.
| Type II Conventional Anodize | Type III Hard Anodize | |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | <336 Hrs salt spray | 1000 - 2000 Hrs salt spray |
| Wear Resistance | Good wear resistance | Excellent wear resistance (Same range as ceramic & hard chrome) |
| Di-electric Properties | Good Di-electric strength (Non-conductive) | Excellent Di-electric strength (Extremely non-conductive) (Capable up to 1500 volts when sealed) |
| Thickness Capabilities | 0.0001" - 0.001" (0.0005” Required to dye) | 0.0005" - 0.003" (Dependent on alloy) |
| Appearance | Clear or dyed | Natural dark gray color |
| Penetration/Growth | Approximately 65%/35% (Dependent on alloy) | Approximately 50%/50% (Dependent on alloy) |
[ back to top ]
Hard anodize is more expensive due to increased energy requirements associated with the process. Ending cost differences are dependent upon many variables in a given order. For example: part size, racking instructions, packaging, etc. [ back to top ]
In general, wrought alloy series 1000-7000 provide the best corrosion and aesthetic properties than cast alloy. Specific alloy choice to match performance needs should be discussed on a case-by-case basis. For more information on alloy series and their effects on the anodize process, please visit our Alloy Specs section of the Knowledge Base. [ back to top ]
The following alloys are generally considered best for bright dip anodize: 5357, 5457, 5557, 6063, 6463, 7016, 7029
For more information on the bright dip process, please visit our [ back to top ]
Approximately 0.0002” per side for a standard 3 minute process. (Alloy Dependent) [ back to top ]
The amount of substrate material removed during the etch process will affect part dimensions. The exact amount is alloy dependent and must be determined on a case-by-case basis. [ back to top ]
Parts can be welded prior to anodizing. The use of 5356 welded rod is strongly recommended, though some discoloration will still occur. 4043 is the worst choice because it will turn a smutty black when anodized. If welding is necessary after the anodize process, the coating on the portion to be welded must be removed. [ back to top ]
Anodize will promote the adhesion of paint and subsequent coatings. [ back to top ]
Anodizing will provide minimal cover-up for surface scratches because anodize mimics original substrate finish. To further enhance anodize appearance consider aggressive etching, hand polishing, or surface blasting. [ back to top ]
Electroless Nickel Answers
Electroless nickel is one of the most versatile finishes, capable of meeting your needs from wear and corrosion protection to lubricity concerns. The uniform plating thickness of electroless nickel allows for tight tolerances to be achieved. “Electroless” plating avoids the snags of electroplating such as uneven buildup that can compromise threadings and part fittings, which can require post process grinding. Electroless nickel offers some of the best corrosion protection of all plated metals. At Pioneer Metal Finishing, we offer electroless nickel solutions designed specifically to produce wear resistance, corrosion protection, or lubricity. [ back to top ]
Pioneer Metal Finishing can plate:
- All steel alloys
- All copper alloys
- All aluminum alloys
[ back to top ]
Some applications of electroless nickel offer 1000+ hours of salt spray corrosion protection. Hard chrome can only offer 24 hours. Hard chrome offers slightly better wear protection than electroless nickel. Pioneer offers the Nor-Last™ electroless nickel process that provides similar wear resistance as hard chrome. [ back to top ]
Yes, the original electroless nickel coating can be stripped without changing the surface finish & dimensions of the substrate in many cases. Aluminum and copper alloys may become rougher and lose some base material. [ back to top ]
This can be done, but the adhesion of the new plating to the old plating cannot be guaranteed. [ back to top ]
Tolerances of ± 0.0001” are possible with electroless nickel plating. [ back to top ]
Typical thicknesses range for production is 0.0001” to 0.005”. Theoretically it is possible to plate an unlimited amount of Electroless Nickel on a given part. Coating thicknesses beyond .005” may be more prone to chipping due to built up stresses in thicker coatings. [ back to top ]
Post process baking minimizes hydrogen embrittlement, promotes adhesion when plating an aluminum substrate, and increases surface hardness and wear resistance. [ back to top ]
When performing the plating process, hydrogen gas is generated. When the base metal or substrate has been hardened to above 35 Rc, absorption of the hydrogen can cause parts to become brittle. [ back to top ]
Depending on the bake process required, it is possible to see discoloration, reduced corrosion resistance, and reduced lubricity characteristics.
[ back to top ]
Electroless nickel finishes are often distinguished by their respective phosphorous content. In particular, high phos. electroless nickel contains roughly 10-12% phosphorous, and is designed to offer supreme corrosion resistance. [ back to top ]
Pioneer Metal Finishing’s medium phos. electroless nickel is engineered to be the standard electroless nickel process providing a balanced combination of wear resistance, corrosion protection, lubricity, and affordability. [ back to top ]
Other Pioneer electroless nickel finishes are engineered for more specific applications. For example, Nor-Last™ is designed to be the best electroless nickel application for wear resistance. Nor-Lube™ is designed specifically to produce extreme lubricity capabilities. For more information on Pioneer’s electroless nickel finishes, please visit our electroless nickel page. [ back to top ]
General Answers
Many variables are at work here. To determine the optimal process, please contact a knowledgeable sales engineer or customer service rep for further help and clarification. Pioneer Metal Finishing offers testing solutions to identify the best process for given environments. [ back to top ]
- All contact information
- Color information (If part is to be dyed)
- Required finish
- Delivery lot size
- Yearly usage
- Blueprint or part dimensions
[ back to top ]
- Corrosion protection - Salt spray testing
- Wear resistance - Suga and Taber testing
- Hardness - Rockwell, Knoop, Vickers
- Lubricity - Coefficient of friction testing
[ back to top ]
PIONEER METAL FINISHING'S SOLUTIONS CENTER - OUR RESOURCES HELPING YOU GET THE JOB DONE
Pioneerʼs Customer Center
Convenient Business Solutions. Anytime. Anywhere.
Doing business with Pioneer should be
simple. Having access to important project
information is one of Pioneerʼs convenient
business solutions offered through our new
Customer Center.
The Customer Center allows users to easily
access quotes, orders, invoices, packing
slips and certifications 24 hours a day.
Reprint these critical documents, stored in
Pioneerʼs customer portal for up to six
months, or search by date or document
number and receive your information in
seconds.
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Quoting Your Project
The first step in building relationships
Click on the "Request a Quote" link and it
will take you to a form you can fill out to
help us understand your needs and the
scope of your project. You will be
contacted by a specialist once your quote
has been reviewed.
With 8 divisions strategically located
throughout the U.S., we are poised to
engineer cutting edge finishing solutions
for needs both large and small. If your
project does not fall within the scope of
standard finishing services, ask our
specialists about a custom solution.
To contact a finishing specialist click
on the "Contact a Specialist" link on the
right side of the Knowledge Base.
Contact a Specialist
Our specialist strive to create value through efficient communication.
Click on the "contact a specialist" link
to the right and you will be taken to
a simple form to fill out your inquiry.
A specialist will contact you when your
inquiry has been reviewed.
Our mission is to create value for our
customers by providing the highest
quality products and services in the
metal finishing industry. Our success
will be measured by the relationships
we build with our customers.
Let us help you get the job done.
Finishing Services Overview PDF’s
View it. Print it. Download it. Share it.
For your convenience we have created
a PDF for each of our Finishing Services.
We know choosing the correct vendor is
not an instant process. At Pioneer we
understand this process and want our
information to be easily accessible to
you and your team.
These PDF’s will give you an overview
of each service. If you want more in depth
information, please click on the links
above for a full offering of information
and resources.
To contact a specialist click on the link
on the right side of the Solutions Center.
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Portfolio in Brief
Great Customers. Brilliant Solutions.
Click on the "Portfolio PDF" link to
download a sampling of our work or
click on the "Portfolio Presentation"
link to view a short video.
With 7 divisions strategically located
throughout the U.S., we are poised to
engineer cutting edge finishing solutions
for needs both large and small. The
projects shown do not reflect our full
finishing capabilities.
To see a full listing of all our finishing
capabilities click on "Specialized Services"
in the main navigation link located in the
header of the website.
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Alloy Specifications
Wrought Alloys and Cast Alloys
These PDF's provide specifications for
wrought and cast alloys.
The information available in these
PDF's are Alloy Series, Major Alloying
Constituents, Common Alloys in Series,
Recommended Maximum Thickness for
Hard Anodize, and General Comments
for Alloy Series.
If you need further assistance with alloy
specifications please contact one of our
specialist by clicking on the "contact a
specialist" link on the right side of the
Solutions Center.
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Technical Bulletins
In-depth information that keeps you “in the know” about our services
In this section of the Knowledge Base
you will find technical bulletins on our
findings/research on specific services.
Established as an industry leader, Pioneer
strives to make available the most recent
and in depth information on our finishing
processes and finishing services
We are constantly looking for ways to
improve current finishes that will help
our customers achieve their Time to
Market goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Your quick reference guide to Pioneer’s 1st class finishing services.
To the right you will find the FAQ PDF. This
handy guide contains answers to some of
the most common questions about Pioneer’s
finishing services.
At Pioneer Metal we are all about making
sure you have the resources you need
for your projects. Let us help you get the job done.
Need further assistance or have a more
technical question? Use the “Contact a
Specialist” link at the right.
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Transportation
Finishing the job - going the distance
Have a question about our transportation
schedule? Download our current schedule
to arrange a delivery or pick-up.
Need a quote? Click the "submit a quote"
link and a transportation specialist will
respond with questions or pricing promptly.
We are here to help you achieve your
Time to Market goals. Whatever your
transportation needs, PMF Transportation
can deliver.
Locations
Manufacturing locations nationwide
In this section you will find PDF's for
each of our divisions. Each PDF highlights
specifics on processes, capabilities,
certifications, and contact information.
With 8 divisions strategically located
throughout the U.S., we are poised to
engineer cutting edge finishing solutions
for needs both large and small.
There is no question as to why Pioneer
is America's leading metal finisher!
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Associations
Committed to improving the metal finishing industry.
In this section you will find a PDF for each
of the major associations we are involved
with and a brief overview of their mission.
Pioneer is proud to share the associations
we are involved with. We are committed
to involvement in our industry and the
ongoing improvement of services we offer.
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SOLUTIONS CENTER
What is the Solutions Center?
How can it help me?
Pioneer Metal Finishing's Solutions Center gives you multiple ways to
view critical information about our
services, divisions, and
team specialists. All information is
presented in a viewable, printable, or
downloadable format.
Our goal was to develop a solutions center that would allow quick
access to all the necessary information to help you
complete your project.
