MICRALOX® is a revolutionary new aluminum oxide coating for finishing aluminum medical devices, marine products and aluminum industrial products being launched into the global marketplace by the Sanford Process Corporation (SPC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Duralectra-CHN.
The unique MICRALOX aluminum oxide process creates a micro-crystalline barrier that produces an extremely long-lasting, virtually indestructible surface coating. Subjected to exhaustive independent testing, MICRALOX proves to deliver dramatically superior chemical corrosion resistance, while eliminating color fading due to super-heated steam. It is RoHS compliant and maintains the design flexibility and close tolerances associated with conventional anodizing and hard coat.
Research shows that there is a growing need for new approaches to finish re-usable medical equipment made from aluminum. Considering design, weight, thermal conductivity, strength, and total cost, cases, trays, handles, fixturing and other devices made from aluminum are all preferable to those made from stainless steel or plastic. The cleaning, disinfection and sterilization protocols commonly used by central service stations in hospitals and clinics worldwide can be highly corrosive to aluminum. Articles can lose their original finish and, eventually, their usefulness, a costly downturn.
Unlike amorphous anodic coatings, the corrosion barrier created by micro-crystalline structures in MICRALOX protects aluminum medical devices from corrosion, making them last 10 times longer. While MICRALOX dramatically increases the total service life of each part, it maintains all of the important characteristics of sulfuric acid anodizing.
MICRALOX allows aluminum to be an excellent alternative to more expensive materials used in high-pH solutions and super-heated steam conditions. It provides new less-expensive options for surgical cases and other medical products where disinfection and repeated cleaning are requirements. MICRALOX also provides more cost-effective options in the production of marine, automotive and military products.
More information on MICRALOX can be found at www.micralox.com.
