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IBC MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO)
PEO | Micro Arc Oxidation | CeraTough™
read about how IBC’s CeraTough™ PEO performed in testing against anodizing.
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IBC is an innovative surface engineering company that brings exceptional value to our customers and offers a great workplace for our employees.
PEO
Micro Arc Oxidation | CeraTough™
IBC’s PEO process (offered under the CeraTough™ trade name) uses a controlled high-voltage alternating current that is applied to a metal part submerged in an electrolytic bath. The high voltage and current causes an intense plasma to be created on the surface of the metallic component. This plasma oxidizes the surface of the part and grows a nano-structured ceramic oxide layer from the substrate material. The oxide layer diffuses into the material causing in subsurface oxidation. As a result, the process can produce very thick coatings of varying porosity. IBC has produced PEO coatings up to 250 microns thick on specific alloys, and ongoing research shows the feasibility of coating thicknesses of up to 500 microns.
PEO
Features
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Characteristics
High hardness
- CeraTough™-Al: Up-to 2000 HV
- CeraTough™-Ti: Up-to 1000 HV
Thickness
- 1 – 500 microns
Other Characteristics
- Significantly less wear compared to anodizing
- Low coefficient of friction
- Significantly better corrosion characteristics compared to anodizing
- Non-line-of-sight process
- High density (95%-99%+)
- Less fatigue debit compared to anodizing
- Green technology: no hazardous waste streams
Applications
CeraTough™ is frequently used for wear resistance in lightweight aerospace grade alloys. Compared to anodizing, CeraTough™-coated components have a significantly longer service life. CeraTough™ has been used successfully within a broad array of applications, including internal combustion engine (ICE) piston heads, where it resulted in a 150°C temperature reduction in the engine chamber. CeraTough™ has also been used as a replacement for anodizing in fuel pumps, resulting in a 5X life extension of parts that previously failed prematurely due to cavitation and gear wear.
