Aerotech Processing in Paterson, New Jersey, says it is the exclusive supplier in North America for Compcote’s patented anodizing process.
The CompCote process is a hybrid nanostructure that combines the columnar structure of conventional anodic finishes with cellular structural elements. This hybrid nanostructure has been proven superior to conventional anodic finishes through extensive scientific and engineering testing and in practice.
The CompCote process was developed in 1995 with fundamental research by Dr. Jude Runge at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
“CompCote is a groundbreaking anodic finish for aluminum,” says Jeff Almeyda, owner and CEO of Aerotech Processing Solutions. “It is a polymer-aluminum oxide composite finish with revolutionary properties that significantly heighten the performance of Type II Anodized and Type III Hard Anodized aluminum products.”
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) of the CompCote finish determined it has a microstructure that combines the columnar structure of conventional anodic (Type II) finishes or hard anodic (Type III) finishes with cellular, randomly oriented elements. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) determined that the basis of the finish is hydrated aluminum oxide, similar to conventional finishes. Still, the finish also incorporates polymer constituents that act to modify the microstructure as described.
Because of the microstructural modification, it is said that the CompCote microstructure appears "knitted." The company says thorough testing of the CompCote finish confirms this impression. Because the finish columns are not only unidirectional, a tougher, more resilient structure, which withstands all types of external attack and stress, is formed.
Serving Aerospace, Defense, and Other High-Tech Industries
Aerotech Processing Solutions is a NADCAP-certified, special processing facility serving the aerospace, defense, and other high-tech industries. They provide an extensive range of processes in our 30,000-square-foot facility.
Almeyda says CompCote offers enhanced abrasion resistance, superior smoothness, excellent corrosion resistance, and improved thickness among other attributes. The CompCote process helps to protect the environment because it is free of heavy metals, fluoropolymers, and chlorinated polymers. CompCote finished components can be recycled like unfinished aluminum.
The CompCote finish has been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and was found to be safe when in contact with food.
Aerotech says CompCote is excellent for coloring. Accelerated weathering tests with 200 hours of UV exposure show only one-third of the reduction in color and brightness in CompCote compared to that of conventionally anodized layers, both layers 10 μm, colored black, and sealed.
CompCote Finish Applications
The CompCote process can be tailored to your specific needs to make your products function better. Today, the CompCote finishes are successfully tested and used in all kinds of industries.
- Aircraft: landing gear components, cockpit components
- Automotive: brake, engine pistons, fuel pumps, sensor housings, transmission, airbag, central oil reservoir for trucks, decorative interior parts, etc.
- Camera equipment: lens bezels, objectives, tripods, and stands
- Communication: cell phones, electronic housings, microphones
- Extrusion: diverse profiles
- Firefighting equipment: fire hose nozzles, valves and valve housings, handles
- Food industry: packaging machines, ice makers, pizza pans
- Household appliances: pots and pans
- Mechanical engineering: gripper systems, cooling components, locking devices, carriers, vacuum packaging components, lids, frames, shafts, heat exchangers, piston rods
- Medical equipment: injection pens, autoclaves and cold sterilization devices, operating room trays, articulators for dental models
- Motor bikes: fork legs, steering dampers, foot rests
- Sporting goods: hunting rifle components, paintball gun components, fishing reels, arrowheads, marine components
