Technology · Oct 1, 2026Transition to Hexavalent Chromium-Free Chemical Conversion Coatings (Chromate) — The Meaning of MIL-DTL-5541 Type II and Expanding Use in Automotive and AerospaceChemical conversion coatings on aluminum are shifting to trivalent chromium (TCP) and chromium-free chemistries in response to hexavalent chromium regulations. This article summarizes the Type II (hexavalent chromium-free) designation and QPL system of MIL-DTL-5541, and the status of adoption in automotive (ELV) and aerospace applications.
Technology · Sep 30, 2026Anodizing Rectifier Technology Trends — From SCR Phase Control to IGBT Switching and Pulse RectificationAnodizing rectifiers are shifting from SCR phase control to IGBT high-frequency switching. This article reviews, based on the literature, what lower ripple and pulse output mean for coating uniformity and suppression of burning.Technology · Sep 29, 2026Anodizing Die-Cast (Al-Si) Alloys — Development Trends and Limits of Alloys for AnodizingADC12-type die-cast alloys make it difficult to obtain uniform anodic coatings because of their silicon and copper content. This article summarizes the causes, practical limits and the direction of die-cast alloy development for anodizing shown in Korean patents.Technology · Sep 28, 2026Sealing Technology Trends — Hot Water, Nickel Acetate and Low-Temperature Sealing, and the Shift to Nickel-Free SealingSealing, which closes the pores of anodic coatings, has evolved from hot water sealing to mid-temperature nickel acetate sealing and nickel fluoride cold sealing. This article reviews, based on the literature, the research trend toward low-temperature and nickel-free sealing driven by energy use and nickel regulations.Technology · Sep 27, 2026Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Surface Treatment — Reducing Pretreatment Chemicals and Wastewater, and Industrial ApplicationsAtmospheric pressure plasma is a dry pretreatment technology that removes organic contamination from metal surfaces and makes them hydrophilic without vacuum equipment. This article summarizes academic findings on cleaning and activating aluminum and their significance for reducing wet pretreatment chemicals and wastewater.Industry · Sep 26, 2026Vehicle Electrification, Hydrogen Mobility and Demand for Aluminum Surface Treatment — The Role of Anodizing in Lightweighting, Electric Motor and Hydrogen Tank ComponentsWith the spread of electrification and hydrogen vehicles, aluminum use is increasing in battery housings, electric motors and metal components of hydrogen tanks. This article summarizes the insulation, corrosion resistance and wear resistance roles anodizing plays in these components, and what the discussion on easing the EU 2035 regulation means for demand.Industry · Sep 25, 2026Automotive Parts Quality Systems — What IATF 16949 and Hyundai/Kia SQ Certification Require of Surface Treatment SuppliersAutomotive surface treatment suppliers are required to meet both the international standard IATF 16949 and the OEM's own SQ (Supplier Quality) certification. This article summarizes, based on public sources, how the two systems differ and which items are actually checked in the anodizing process.Regulation and environment · Sep 24, 2026Chemical Regulations for Surface Treatment Sites — Toxic Substance Concentration Criteria, Business Licensing and Handling Standards, and Emission Surveys (PRTR) under the Chemicals Control ActSulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, nitric acid and other chemicals used at anodizing sites are toxic substances under the Chemicals Control Act above certain concentrations. This article summarizes, based on confirmed provisions, the concentration criteria in the Designation of Toxic Substances notice, hazardous chemical business licensing and handling standards, and the chemical emission survey system.Regulation and environment · Sep 23, 2026Hexavalent Chromium Regulations at a Glance — Specially Controlled Substances and Exposure Limits under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, EU REACH Authorization and Restriction, ELV and RoHS 0.1 % — What Anodizing and Chemical Conversion Coating Companies Should PrepareHexavalent chromium is a specially controlled substance under Korea's Occupational Safety and Health Act, with exposure limits of 0.01 mg/m³ (insoluble) and 0.05 mg/m³ (water-soluble). The EU is moving from REACH authorization (chromium trioxide sunset date 2017-09-21) to restriction, and ELV and RoHS set a limit of 0.1 %. This article summarizes what companies should prepare.Regulation and environment · Sep 22, 2026Emission Facility Regulations for Surface Treatment Sites — Wastewater Discharge Facilities under the Water Environment Conservation Act, Air Emission Facilities under the Clean Air Conservation Act, and the Scope of Integrated Environmental ManagementAnodizing sites can be subject to installation permits or reports for wastewater discharge facilities and air pollutant emission facilities. This article summarizes the applicable criteria confirmed in the annexes to the Enforcement Rules of the Water Environment Conservation Act and the Clean Air Conservation Act, and the scope of the integrated environmental management system.Technology · Sep 21, 2026Anodizing Design and Machining References — Standards, Associations and Technical LiteratureA collection of public sources on anodic coating growth, dimensional change, alloy-specific behavior and sealing, including MIL-PRF-8625, ISO 7599 and AAC technical bulletins. These are the reference sources for the Design Guide page.