Plated 6061-T6 Corrosion Problem
Plated 6061-T6 Corrosion Problem
(OP)
I have a electronic unit that mounted to communication & Broadcast towers all over the world. It is made of 6061-T6 AL which is then SILVER PLATED. This plating consists of .0001" -.0002" copper plate class 4 flashing under the silver plating (.0003" - .0005"). Obviously the copper to aluminum are quite far apart on the anodic index, but if the plating is not comprimised, ie cracked, scratch, etc., my experience has been that it will stand up well to salt spray tests & in the field. HOWEVER, I am evaulating a unit that has had the plating comprimised and corrosion has started underneath the plating. The unit was in S. Florida, so it is getting its share of warm salt air.
My question is, will this corrosion stop, or will it continue right through the case? The plating is acting as a "container" holding in moisture. The case is quite thick (.15 min) so I imagine it would take a long time to penetrate...
My question is, will this corrosion stop, or will it continue right through the case? The plating is acting as a "container" holding in moisture. The case is quite thick (.15 min) so I imagine it would take a long time to penetrate...





RE: Plated 6061-T6 Corrosion Problem
RE: Plated 6061-T6 Corrosion Problem
I know that you can't monitor or inspect the cases. Could you put a corrosion sensor inside? One of the thin wire type. If you could read this remotely then at least you would know when a case had lost seal.
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Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm
RE: Plated 6061-T6 Corrosion Problem
RE: Plated 6061-T6 Corrosion Problem
BTW, IMHO, one should never assume something will remain perfect.