Search Results

Many papers have been written for SAE on electrochemical metallizing, a modern term for “selective” or “brush” plating. These papers have dealt primarily with the aerospace industry, including the use of non-embrittling cadmium LHE® coatings for corrosion protection on aircraft. Shadowed by 30 years of successes in the aerospace industry, electrochemical metallizing corrosion protection in the automotive industry is often overlooked. Specifically, the use of selectively applied zinc coatings for corrosion protection on wheel hubs during manufacture has proven integral at several European automotive manufacturers. In the past, environmental conditions have corroded both the hubs and wheels of automobiles. Quite often the corrosion is in the microscopic gap between the hub and the wheel, which over time causes the wheel to seize and prevents removal. This has been frustrating to both stranded motorists and shop mechanics.

Electrochemical Metallizing, a process whereby metal is selectively applied to rebuild and restore worn damaged, mismachined and corroded components, has long enjoyed use as an aircraft engine manufacturing tool. Repair coatings to corroded areas also have a long history of success. More recently, this high-speed coating process has been utilized as a turbine engine repair tool in F.A.A. approved overhaul and repair shops. Meeting both military and commercial aircraft specifications, electrochemical metallizing can be added to compliment an F.A.A. repair station's rework methods, increasing overhaul capabilities. Worn stators, shaft diameters and endbell housings are easily rebuilt with electrochemical metallizing. Damaged gearbox faces can be restored. Many rotational engine components have been successfully refurbished. The paper will explore the use of electrochemical metallizing to repair these engine components.