Zincate Aluminum Activator

Zinc plating with Zincate aluminum activator

Galvanizing aluminum with Zincate Aluminum Activator. Zincate removes the oxide layer on aluminum and immediately applies a thin layer of zinc. This zinc layer temporarily protects the aluminium from oxidising again, so that you can then galvanise aluminium without any problems. Galvanizing aluminum without zincate works poorly due to the rapidly forming oxide layer on aluminum.

During the actual galvanizing, the zinc layer dissolves in a controlled manner in the zinc electrolyte, but no oxygen reaches the aluminum. So no new oxide layer is formed and the zinc deposits can adhere to a clean active surface. This is the key to reliable aluminum galvanizing.

Application

• Pre-treatment of aluminium and aluminium alloys
• Improves adhesion for aluminium galvanising
• Uniform gray appearance after the dipping step indicates a properly treated surface

Use in short increments

1. Degrease thoroughly. Optional blasting and polishing. Degrease again.
2. Dip in Zincate Aluminum Activator at room temperature.
3. Immersion time typically 15 seconds to 2 minutes depending on alloy and visible reaction.
4. Rinse, briefly neutralize in dilute citric acid, rinse again.
5. Coat immediately. For nickel plating, it is recommended to first apply a thin copper layer and then nickel to prevent zinc insertion into the nickel bath. For galvanizing, you can continue directly in the zinc bath.

Practical tips

• In case of a very strong reaction, choose a shorter immersion time
• After Zincate continue working without waiting for the best attachment
• Use PP, PE or PVC containers