Coated

Cadmium Plating (ASTM B766)

An electrolytically deposited, silver-gray plating which provides exceptionally good protection against
corrosion, particularly in a salt atmosphere. Chromate Clear Dip is a protective film dip applied after
electroplating, and gives additional corrosion protection and a bright, shiny appearance which resists
staining and finger marks. Cadmium is a known carcinogen, and has been banned in many countries.
Commercial grades of cadmium plating are typically applied a minimum of 5 microns thick(.0002).
Cadmium plating with a chromate dip must not show white corrosion products at 96 hours of salt
spray
testing per ASTM B117.
Zinc Electroplating (ASTM B633)
Zinc electroplating is also a protective coating against corrosion, blue gray in color, non-toxic, and can
be
used around food. Zinc plating performs better than cadmium in an industrial atmosphere, but not in
a
salt atmosphere. A clear Chromate dip is a protective film applied after electroplating, adding
corrosion
protection. At Sigma, we also use a silicon dip, to aid in assembly. Commercial grades of zinc
electroplating are typically applied a minimum of 5 microns thick (.0002). Zinc electroplating with a

Coated Stud Bolts

chromate dip must not show base metal corrosion products at 96 hours of salt spray testing per ASTM
B117, but may show white corrosion at the edges.
Thickness conversion factors: microns x .0394=mils, mils x 25.4=microns, mils x .0254=millimeters,
mils x .001=inches
Chromate Dips
Clear chromate dip as used by Sigma is applied to all zinc plated parts unless otherwise requested.
We
use an excellent product produced by MacDermid, which contains no hexavalent chrome.
Olive Drab Dichromate- Electroplated work is dipped in solution of chrome, nitric and acetic acids and
a
dye. This produces additional corrosion resistance, and is thicker than standard chromate dips.
Yellow Iridescent Dichromate Electroplated work is dipped in solution of sodium dichromate, takes on

surface film of basic chromium chromate which resists corrosion. Finish is yellow to brown in color.
Baking
Parts to be electroplated that are RC38 or higher in hardness, should be further processed to relieve
hydrogen embrittlement. This process should include baking at 375 deg. F for 8 hours or more within
4
hours of the plating process. If the parts are over 40 RC, the baking should be for 24 hours minimum.
The baking should be done before the chromate treatment. The parts are re-dipped in acid very
briefly to
reactivate the surface prior to chromating.
Phosphating
Supplementary Phosphate Zinc-plated parts are dipped in a solution of acid phosphates, and
catalytic
agents at 200 degrees F. Adherent, porous coating makes an excellent bond for paint or oil, and is
performed on all Sigma parts to be coated.
Several types of phosphate coatings are available: manganese, zinc, and iron. At Sigma, we prefer
zinc
phosphate as the best preparation for coating.
Black Oxide
Black oxide is a thin film of iron oxide formed on the metal. It will not chip, peel, crack, or crumble.
The
pleasing finish provides only mild rust protection.
Passivation
Passivation gives stainless steels added resistance to corrosion. The nitric acid or sodium dichromate
dip
removes any embedded metal particles on the surface, and leaves a protective film of stainless only,
to
prevent rusting.
Hot Dip Galvanizing (ASTM A153):
Hot dip zinc galvanizing is available for many fasteners. Threads in the nuts must be tapped oversized
after galvanizing, or the parts will not assemble. This coating is very effective in salt atmosphere
because
it is applied approximately 2 mils thick. Because of the need to tap the nuts after galvanizing, the
inside
of the nut forms corrosion that will not allow disassembly after a period of time.
Sigma does not recommend Hot Dip Galvanizing for medium to high strength alloy parts used in the
production of oil and gas, because of the chance of hydrogen embrittlement, and the tendency for the
thickness to vary, causing uneven torque readings upon application.
Molybdenum Disulfide
Moly coating is typically used as a bonded lubricant, and has some corrosion resistance. It is spray
coated to a dry film thickness of .4 to .7 mil, and cured in ovens.
Sermagard 1105 (ASTM F1428)
Sigma Fasteners is a licensed applicator for Sermagard products. 1105 is a ceramic-metallic sprayed
basecoat that at 1 mil of thickness or more affords 3000-4000 hours of ASTM B117 salt spray
resistance,
with an appropriate topcoat. It can be used at high temperatures. It is extremely effective in salt
atmospheres. The Sermagard 1105 process involves curing at high temperatures (Minimum of 750

deg.
F) and subsequent burnishing with appropriate blast media to achieve conductivity. Sermagard 1105
contains aluminum flake.
Sermagard 1280
Sermagard 1280 is a fluorocarbon topcoat, which when applied to Sermagard 1105 basecoat gives
superior corrosion resistance and UV protection.
Xylan 1000 Series
Xylan is a fluoropolymer topcoat manufactured by Whitford Corporation, which in the 1014 and 1070
coatings afford high lubricity (co-efficient of friction as low as .02), and corrosion resistance of
approximately 1000 hours(ASTM B117) when applied over phosphate, and up to 2000 hours when
applied over electroplating. These are solvent based thin film topcoats. These Xylan products have a
maximum operating temperature ranging up to 500 deg. F.
Xylan 1000 and 1400 series may also be applied over other basecoats, for added corrosion protection.
Xylan 1400 series:
The 1400 series coatings by Whitford (typically 1424), are low voc coatings. They have a coefficient of
friction of .05 to .10, and a maximum constant operating temperature of 400 deg. F. The corrosion
resistance of the 1400 series is approximately 1500 hours, when applied over a suitable basecoat
such as
zinc electroplating.
Sigma also applies bolting coatings from other manufacturers, per customer specifications. Examples
of other
coating products we apply: Everlube Coatings, Inorganic Zinc