What finishing options prevent oxidation in high-humidity HVAC environments?
What Finishing Options Prevent Oxidation in High-Humidity HVAC Environments?
Importance of Anti-Oxidation Finishes in HVAC Applications
In HVAC systems operating in high-humidity or coastal environments, die-cast components—especially those made from copper and zinc alloys—are susceptible to surface oxidation, corrosion, and discoloration. To ensure long-term performance, electrical conductivity, and appearance, Neway applies a variety of finishing options tailored to resist moisture-driven oxidation and environmental degradation.
Effective Finishing Options for Oxidation Resistance
Powder Coating
Powder coating provides a thick, uniform polymer layer that seals surfaces from air and moisture. It offers excellent corrosion protection and is commonly used on housings, brackets, and heat exchanger frames.
Coating thickness: 60–120 µm
ASTM B117 compliant for salt spray resistance
Available in matte, gloss, and textured finishes
Nickel Plating
Nickel plating offers a dense, adherent metallic barrier over copper and zinc die castings, protecting against oxidation and atmospheric corrosion.
Ideal for connectors and fasteners exposed to condensation
Excellent adhesion and wear resistance
Complies with ASTM B689 and ISO 4525
Chromate Conversion Coating
Applied to zinc components, chromate conversion creates a passive oxide film that slows oxidation.
Suitable for indoor HVAC electronics and control housings
Available in clear, yellow, and green finishes
RoHS-compliant formulations available
Anodizing (for Aluminum Components)
Anodizing enhances aluminum part durability by forming a stable oxide layer.
Type II anodizing provides aesthetic and basic corrosion protection
Type III (hard anodizing) improves abrasion and oxidation resistance
Ideal for aluminum manifolds and mounting plates
Summary of Recommended Finishes by Application
Component Type | Recommended Finish | Protection Provided |
|---|---|---|
Electrical Connectors | Nickel Plating | Oxidation and conductivity protection |
Structural HVAC Covers | Powder Coating | Moisture barrier and corrosion shield |
Control Box Housings | Chromate Conversion (Zinc) | Anti-oxidation with electrical grounding compatibility |
Aluminum Mounting Frames | Type II/III Anodizing | Long-term oxidation and abrasion resistance |
Testing and Quality Assurance
Neway ensures surface treatments meet the following standards:
ASTM B117 – Salt spray testing for corrosion resistance
ISO 9227 – Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres
MIL-A-8625 – Anodic coatings for aluminum
Surface finish verification using crosshatch adhesion, coating thickness, and salt spray duration
Customer-Oriented Surface Treatment Services
Neway Die Casting offers complete post-processing services for HVAC parts in high-humidity environments:
Surface Finishing Services: Integrated oxidation-resistant treatments tailored to material and part function
Zinc, Copper, and Aluminum Casting: Material-specific finishing compatibility from casting to completion
Post-Machining Services: Ensures clean sealing surfaces and coating adhesion for long-term protection
