The Microplasmic Process (MPP)

The basic process of anodizing aluminum and its alloys began over 60 years ago. Today's advanced anodizing technologies include several proprietary hard anodizing processes. These known processes are all limited by the thinness of the hard coating, hardness, porosity, dielectric strength, corrosion and heat resistance and, finally, inability to coat all aluminum alloys.

Microplasmic Corporation, Peabody, MA, U.S.A., an R & D Company, has developed a unique surface coating technology called the Microplasmic Process (MPP). MPP coats aluminum and ALL aluminum alloys equally well. MPP is a proprietary electrochemical micro arc oxidation process with a U.S. patent-pending. In the simplest terms, an aluminum sample is submerged in an alkaline electrolytic solution, then a controlled high power AC current is applied. The sample will glow as the micro arc created by the surrounding plasma oxidizes the surface of any aluminum material, thus the MPP terminology. As the thickness of the coating increases, the coating penetrates the substrate. There is minor change to the sample dimensions. MPP also applies hard coatings to interior surfaces, e.g. cylindrical, conical or spherical hollow parts. Most coating processes in the market, like CVD, PVD, PEPVD, Sputtering, Thermal Spraying, etc. are unable to uniformly coat interior surfaces of lengthy units.

MPP produces both an outer soft coating of approximately 15 %, which may be buffed off; and an inner layer of extremely hard ceramic material. The thick ceramic coating created exhibits excellent resistance to wear, heat and chemical corrosion. Additionally, the coating acts as electrical insulation. ANY aluminum alloy may be ceramic coated to any desired thickness by MPP. Finally, MPP is an environmentally safe process. No acids,hazardous gasses, or excess wastes are produced as by-products of MPP.

Specification and comparison information can be found in the FAQ section.

Light and inexpensive aluminum, coated with MPP, may readily replace HEAVIER steel or other composite materials required in many manufacturing or industrial processes and products - including transportation, electronics, chemicals, sports and others. Most importantly, is the low cost of aluminum, which makes this process economically feasible. Any desired ceramic-coating thickness can be achieved with speedy production, economy of raw materials and total environmental safety. MPP is the answer!

Consulting services

The Microplasmic Corporation totally supports MPP with its staff of MPP professionals. Initial consulting services are provided to help each customer determine the need for MPP. Once a positive decision is made, Microplasmic continues to provide consulting with regard to the size, installation and start-up of the customer facility. New technologies often have unique requirements and it is the Microplasmic goal to make each installation a successful experience. Consulting services beyond those outlined may be contracted, as well.