OX-UHA Magnesium
Magnesium PEO

Micron has developed an innovative PEO (Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation) magnesium anodizing treatment called OX-UHA. The treatment makes it possible to obtain exceptional characteristics of corrosion and wear protection, better than any other chromium-free magnesium coating.

Due to the health and environmental problems associated with hexavalent chromium, OX-UHA has become the main alternative treatment.

It is successfully applied to a wide range of components in the automotive, aerospace, and motorsport sectors, such as motorcycle wheels and aircraft components.

The process converts the magnesium into a dense and compact film of magnesium oxide characterized by uniform thickness over the entire outer surface. The treatment is light in color and it can be used as-is or as a primer for a subsequent paint system that further increases corrosion resistance.

Magnesium wheel treated with OX-UHA Magnesium PEO

EXCELLENT WEAR RESISTANCE

Unlike conventional anodizing treatments, the OX-UHA process employs high current to create a plasma on the surface of the part. This results in micro-fusion of the oxide film, which is mineralized and compacted, increasing the level of hardness and wear resistance.

EXCELLENT CORROSION RESISTANCE

The compact ceramic oxide layer protects the magnesium against corrosion in multiple aggressive environments, offering enhanced protection compared to conventional magnesium anodizing or chromating treatments.

ECOCOMPATIBLE, Cr⁶⁺ FREE

The process does not use toxic chemicals or hexavalent chromium so it has a very low impact on the environment and on health.

COATABLE

Thanks to the surface morphology, the coating provides excellent anchorage for a subsequent paint coat. The combination of OX-UHA and paint coating makes it possible to achieve very high corrosion resistance.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Composition and applicable standards

Composition
The OX-UHA treatment transforms the magnesium substrate into a compact layer of magnesium and aluminium oxides.
Mg	O	Al	P	Impurities
35÷45%	40÷50%	5÷15%	3÷7%	Depending on the alloy

RoHS compliance
RoHS compliant. No restricted substances present in amounts greater than the maximum tolerated concentrations.

REACH compliance
REACH compliant. No SVHCs present in amounts higher than 0.1% by weight.

Anodizable alloys

Anodizable alloys
Magnesium alloys
All commonly used magnesium alloys

Coating thickness and aesthetic appearance

Coating thickness
Standard thickness	Tolerance
10µm	±5µm
Variable thickness depending on the geometry of the parts. Thickness is lower in holes and internal zones.

Aesthetic appearance
Matt white. Surface roughness increases to approximately Ra 0.8-1.0.

Tribological properties

Hardness
The surface hardness of OX-UHA varies in accordance with the treated alloy.
Hardness value		Alloy
	500±100HV	AZ61

Wear resistance
Thanks to the high film hardness, the OX-UHA treatment offers high wear resistance, superior to any other magnesium alloy treatment.

Chemical properties

Corrosion resistance
The compact oxide film of the OX-UHA treatment makes it possible to achieve corrosion resistance superior to that offered by chromating of magnesium alloys or standard anodizing processes.
Guideline corrosion resistance value		Alloy
NSS to ISO 9227 - thickness 10 μm - surface corroded < 5%
	≥240 hours	AZ61

Chemical resistance
Chemical compatibility values. The actual environmental resistance must still be tested in the field.
	Hydrocarbons (e.g. petrol, diesel, mineral oil, toluene)
	Alcohol, ketones (e.g. ethanol, methanol, acetone)
	Neutral saline solutions (e.g. sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, seawater)
	Dilute reducing acids (e.g. citric acid, oxalic acid)
	Oxidizing acids (e.g. nitric acid)
	Concentrated acids (e.g. sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid)
	Dilute bases (e.g. dilute sodium hydroxide)
	Oxidizing bases (e.g. sodium hypochlorite)
	Concentrated bases (e.g. concentrated sodium hydroxide)