Connection Elements Powder-Coated Aluminum Clamp Connector Withstands Salt Spray

Inocon GmbH is convinced that it is not always mandatory to resort to expensive stainless steel when durable standard elements need to withstand adverse conditions. Powder-coated aluminum does the trick too.

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What effects do powder coatings really have? Inocon sought the answer to this question in a standard-compliant expert opinion. The Solingen Institute for Electroplating and Surface Technology Igos was consulted and a standard cross clamp connector was inserted into the test chamber. It was subjected to a long-term salt spray test. This is because the aluminum clamp connector is factory-fitted with a black Powder Coatingwhich is extremely corrosion-resistant and is around 180 µm thick, Inocon described the procedure. For instance, the test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 NSS:2017-07 did not reveal any corrosive changes in the standard element after 240 hours, nor after 360 hours, nor after 504 hours of use, the manufacturer emphasizes. This means that even the target time for the highest resistance class C5 of DIN 55633:2009-04 is exceeded by a remarkable 24 hours. The expert opinion of Igos attests: "No visible changes on the test surface." A further inspection exceeding 500 hours was not carried out for economic reasons.

Economical and Ecological Coating without Edge Alignment

Powder coatings are very durable and corrosion-resistant because they safely block corrosive media from reaching the sensitive substrate below, says Inocon. The specialists generally apply powder coatings using an electrostatic process that reduces material losses considerably thanks to the so-called overspray. The applied particles are then melted at elevated temperature and form a pore-free, sufficiently thick layer. This layer also closes edges and corners which are critical weak points caused by the danger of edge alignment. Powder coatings are also considered to be extremely economical and ecological - after all, no solvents are used in the application.

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With these high-quality powder coatings, Inocon offers attractive alternatives to stainless steel connection elements. The aluminum components are not only cheaper, but also lighter - an important argument for many weight-sensitive applications, notes Inocon.

This article was first published by Blechnet.

Original by Peter Königsreuther / Translation by Alexander Stark

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