Product spotlight--coatings

GIVE ALUMINUM PARTS A BOOST

Tufram surface coatings imbue aluminum parts in manufacturing, processing, and packaging environments with hardness, wear and corrosion resistance, and permanent lubricity. Rockwell hardness of treated metals ranges from 40 to 65. Tufram is said to protect against common chemicals and salt spray for up to 15,000 hr. An ultrathin version featuring a high degree of precision is also available. The Tufram process converts the aluminum surface without affecting conductivity or volume resistivity.

General Magnaplate Corp., 1331 Route 1, Linden, NJ 07036, (800) 852-3301, www.magnaplate.com Circle 446

An overcoat for PCBs

Circuit laminates and photoimageable covercoats target wireless communications. R04232 antenna material, designed for use in base-station applications, is said to improve circuit performance and simplify circuit assembly. R04350B high-frequency material is intended for base-station power amplifiers needing high operating temperatures and is rated for circuits operating at levels over 250 W or 42.7 V. R/max circuit materials work in applications requiring high-density and high-frequency circuitry. These liquid-crystalline polymer films are biaxially oriented and halogen free. The R/flex 8080 liquid photoimageable covercoat helps realize ultrafine patterns needed in high-density, flexible printed circuits. It provides uniform coverage and reliability in mass-production processes.