EST. 1981 / FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Chem Film Conversion Coating in Fort Worth, TX
W4 Graphics provides trivalent chromium conversion coating for aluminum components that need corrosion protection and a prepared surface for paint or powder coating.
From machined parts and housings to panels, brackets and industrial components, we review the alloy, finish specification and performance requirements to determine the right process for your project.
Built to protect the surface.
Our chem film process uses a hexavalent-chromium-free, trivalent chromium conversion coating. It forms a thin protective layer on compatible aluminum surfaces with minimal dimensional impact.
It is commonly used when corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity and adhesion for subsequent paint or finishing processes are important to the final application.
Corrosion Resistance
Helps protect aluminum and compatible metals from oxidation, corrosion and environmental exposure.
Supports Conductivity
Can support low electrical contact resistance when processed to the required specification. Include conductivity and testing requirements with your quote.
Supports Paint Adhesion
Creates a prepared conversion layer that can support paint, powder coating and compatible secondary finishing processes.
Minimal Dimensional Impact
Adds a thin protective conversion layer without the heavier material build associated with many applied coatings.
What We Treat
Chem film conversion coating for aluminum parts, components and assemblies across industrial and commercial applications.
Machined Components
Conversion coating for precision-machined aluminum parts and production components.
Equipment Housings
Surface protection for compatible housings, enclosures and fabricated assemblies.
Panels + Plates
Chem film treatment for aluminum panels, faceplates, mounting plates and control components.
Brackets + Hardware
Protective conversion coating for brackets, supports, fittings and small metal hardware.
Electronic Components
Conversion coating for compatible parts used in electronics, controls and equipment systems.
Aerospace + Industrial Parts
Chem film for aluminum components used in demanding aerospace, commercial and industrial applications.
From bare metal to
protected surface.
Every chem film project starts with proper surface preparation. The part is cleaned, rinsed and treated before the conversion coating is applied and the surface is prepared for its next stage of use or finishing.
Clean + Degrease
Surface contaminants, oils and residue are removed before treatment.
Rinse + Prepare
The part is thoroughly rinsed and prepared to create a clean, consistent surface.
Activate as Required
Surface activation or deoxidizing is selected for the alloy and cleaning process, with rinsing as required before treatment.
Apply Chem Film
The conversion coating is applied to the prepared metal surface according to the project requirements.
Final Rinse
The treated part is rinsed to remove excess chemistry from the surface.
Dry + Inspect
Parts are dried and inspected before moving into the next finishing or production step.
Materials
Matter.
Our trivalent chromium conversion coating is used for aluminum. Chemistry compatibility also includes the materials below; availability and processing requirements must be reviewed for each project.
Aluminum
Commonly treated for corrosion resistance and surface preparation.
Aluminum Alloys
Chem film can be used across compatible alloy types depending on project requirements.
Magnesium
Chemistry-compatible with specific pretreatment. Submit material details for review.
Zinc + Zinc Alloys
Chemistry-compatible substrates, subject to process and project review.
Anodized Aluminum
The chemistry can serve as a sealer. Confirm process availability with our team.
Questions Before We Treat It?
A few things customers often ask before sending a chem film project our way.
Chem film is a thin chemical conversion coating. W4 uses trivalent chromium chemistry to help protect aluminum surfaces and prepare them for compatible paint or powder coating.
The coating contains trivalent chromium, but no hexavalent chromium. If your drawing or purchasing requirements call for a chromium-free finish, send us the specification so we can check compatibility before quoting.
Aluminum and compatible aluminum alloys are the primary substrates. The chemistry also supports magnesium, zinc and zinc alloys, and anodized-aluminum sealing. These applications require process review; send the exact alloy and specification to confirm availability.
Chem film creates a very thin conversion layer and has minimal impact on part dimensions compared with many applied coatings.
Yes. Chem film is often used as a surface preparation step before painting or other compatible finishing processes.
Trivalent conversion coatings can support low electrical contact resistance. The result depends on the substrate and processing conditions. Send any specified conductivity or testing requirements for review.
Send us the material, part dimensions, quantity, drawings or specifications, required finish and any performance requirements.