© 2006 Armoloy® of Illinois

Armoloy® and XADC-Armoloy® Frequently Asked Questions What are Armoloy TDC and XADC-Armoloy® coatings? Armoloy TDC (thin dense chrome) is a proprietary, very hard (78Rc), very dense chromium. XADC-Armoloy® (98 Rc) uses the Armoloy® TDC solution as its base, but is infused with a synthetic diamond particulate, which is responsible for the extreme hardness quotient. Both coatings, at a microscopic level, provide a nodular (as opposed to flat) finish. How thick are the coatings? Standard deposit thickness is .0001/.0003" per surface. However, in molding, the .000050/.0002" range is more realistic, given the tight tolerances that are the industry standard. Unlike traditional hard chrome, a thinner deposit of Armoloy® TDC or XADC-Armoloy® does not inhibit the coatings' efficacy, and may prevent excessive edge build. How are the coatings applied? The coatings are applied electrolytically, following the general principles of electroplating, but employing proprietary chemistry and proprietary fixturing methods/materials. The process is known as "cool": parts will see temperatures no higher than 160°F. Lower temperatures mean no risk of heat-induced damage (annealing, distortion, warping). Due to proprietary prep procedures, the coatings bond mechanically and absolutely to the surface of the substrate. Why coat? The Armoloy coatings serve three main purposes: Wear/abrasion resistance (due to surface hardness). Lubricity/release/friction reduction (due to nodular finish). Corrosion resistance (on tool steel, comparable to 440°C stainless steel; chromium is a natural corrosion resistant). What types of materials can be coated? Nearly all ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be coated, including common molding steels such as H-13, S-7, P-20, 420SS, A-2, D-2, and copper alloys such as Moldmax and Ampcoloy. Titanium, zinc, and magnesium are not recommended for Armoloy coating. Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3