Armoloy TDC®

DEFINITION

TDC® stands for "Thin Dense Chroming." The Armoloy-TDC® process is an extremely robust, dense, and very thin chrome coating that can be applied to almost all metals. The process was developed by Armoloy Corporation in DeKalb, Illinois, in 1968 and has been continuously improved since then. The coating is offered in Europe by Swiss Armoloy AG. Unlike bulk electroplating, the Armoloy-TDC® process differs in its application and resulting coating quality. The coating is applied through an electrolysis process at a temperature of only 60°C, which does not cause any structural or geometrical changes to the workpieces being coated. Custom anode construction and precise current control ensure a uniform coating on all workpieces. The high labor intensity of the process results in a particularly high quality of the coating.

PROCESS

The TDC coating process is a specialized electrolysis process that allows for the application of a thin, high-purity chrome coating to almost all metals. Unlike bulk electroplating, the process does not cause any structural or geometrical changes to the materials and workpieces being coated.

The process begins by attaching the workpieces to special hanging fixtures. These fixtures are then immersed in treatment baths, where they undergo electrolysis. The current flow is calculated to ensure a uniform coating application each time, and individual anode construction ensures even distribution of the current.

The thin chrome coating has a thickness of only 2-7µm, allowing for precise coating. The surface hardness can reach up to 78 HRC, resulting in high wear resistance. Additionally, the coating prevents rust formation and cold welding. The micro-nodular surface provides a lubricant reservoir that prevents component seizure.

Due to a special surface activation, the chrome layer adheres securely to the coated material, preventing any peeling of the coating. The standard appearance of the coating is a silver satin finish. As the process is also qualified for medical and food technology, it is frequently used in these industries.
 

ADVANTAGEOUS PROPERTIES

• Very high wear resistance (surface hardness up to 78 HRC).
• Optimization of friction processes (abrasion resistance).
• Excellent sliding properties.
• No changes in geometry or structure (cold process).
• Micro-nodular surface (lubricant reservoir, leading to improved sliding properties).
• Prevents cold welding.
• Counters fitting rust.
• Absolute adhesion of the thin chrome coating due to special surface activation, thus no peeling of the chrome layer.
• Standard appearance: silver satin finish.
• Qualified for medical and food technology (USA, EU).
• Thin and precise coating thickness of 2-7µm.

MATERIALS 

• To ensure the best adhesion and durability of the thin chrome coating, the surfaces to be coated must be thoroughly prepared. 
• The TDC coating can be applied to almost all metallic materials except for magnesium, titanium, and aluminum. 
• It is also possible to coat hardened steel. 
  The parts to be coated should be in a condition suitable for coating, meaning no other layers should be applied, and the surfaces should be free from cracks, pores, scratches, chips, rust, paint, wax, and similar substances. 
•  When designing the parts, sharp edges should be avoided as much as possible (facets, radii).

SPECIFICATIONS

• To apply the Armoloy TDC® thin coating, we require the following information:
• Geometry of the workpiece (drawing with surface dimensions).
• Desired coating thickness.
• Coated area.
• Material.