A thermally stable component formed of a tempered aluminum alloy casting which reduced costs is provided. The aluminum alloy typically has an elongation of at least 8% after casting, which is preferred for self-piercing rivet processes. The aluminum alloy leaves a casting facility in the as-cast (F temper) condition. The cast aluminum alloy is then shipped to another entity, such as an OEM, and is subjected to an artificial aging process, such as on the OEM's existing paint line, rather than at the casting facility. The artificial aging process typically includes electrodeposition coating and curing. The components that can be formed by the reduced cost method include lightweight automotive vehicle components, including structural, body-in-white, suspension, or chassis components, such as front shock towers, front body hinge pillars, tunnels, and rear rails.

The present invention relates to a method for the coating of a surface of a TiAl alloy, in which at least one layer is electroplated on the surface of the TiAl alloy, wherein the surface of the TiAl alloy is subjected to an at least two-step surface treatment for the formation of a roughened surface, this treatment comprising at least one electrochemical processing and at least one electroless chemical processing.

A method of treating aluminum or aluminum alloy includes providing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate; depositing a first zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the first zincating layer; depositing a second zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the second zincating layer; and depositing a third zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion.

A method of treating aluminum or aluminum alloy includes providing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate; depositing a first zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the first zincating layer; depositing a second zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion; stripping off the second zincating layer; and depositing a third zincating layer on the substrate by zincate immersion.

An electroplating apparatus includes a container containing plural portions and an ionic liquid plating solution that is capable of flowing therebetween. The plural portions include at least a first portion containing a counter electrode that includes coating donor material and a second portion that includes a workpiece. A porous scrubber separating the first and second portions has a plurality of metallic outer surfaces in contact with the ionic liquid plating solution. Coating, repair, and regeneration methods using an ionic liquid plating solution are also described.

An electroplating apparatus includes a container containing plural portions and an ionic liquid plating solution that is capable of flowing therebetween. The plural portions include at least a first portion containing a counter electrode that includes coating donor material and a second portion that includes a workpiece. A porous scrubber separating the first and second portions has a plurality of metallic outer surfaces in contact with the ionic liquid plating solution. Coating, repair, and regeneration methods using an ionic liquid plating solution are also described.

A thermally stable component formed of a tempered aluminum alloy casting which reduced costs is provided. The aluminum alloy typically has an elongation of at least 8% after casting, which is preferred for self-piercing rivet processes. The aluminum alloy leaves a casting facility in the as-cast (F temper) condition. The cast aluminum alloy is then shipped to another entity, such as an OEM, and is subjected to an artificial aging process, such as on the

OEM's existing paint line, rather than at the casting facility. The artificial aging process typically includes electrodeposition coating and curing. The components that can be formed by the reduced cost method include lightweight automotive vehicle components, including structural, body-in-white, suspension, or chassis components, such as front shock towers, front body hinge pillars, tunnels, and rear rails.

A thermally stable component formed of a tempered aluminum alloy casting which reduced costs is provided. The aluminum alloy typically has an elongation of at least 8% after casting, which is preferred for self-piercing rivet processes. The aluminum alloy leaves a casting facility in the as-cast (F temper) condition. The cast aluminum alloy is then shipped to another entity, such as an OEM, and is subjected to an artificial aging process, such as on the

OEM's existing paint line, rather than at the casting facility. The artificial aging process typically includes electrodeposition coating and curing. The components that can be formed by the reduced cost method include lightweight automotive vehicle components, including structural, body-in-white, suspension, or chassis components, such as front shock towers, front body hinge pillars, tunnels, and rear rails.

The present invention aims to provide an etchant that can provide good deposition of a metal plating such as a nickel plating, despite its acidity, and a method of surface treatment of aluminum or an aluminum alloy using the etchant. Included is an etchant containing a zinc compound and a fluorine compound and having a pH of 4.5 to 6.5.

A coated component includes a metallic body defining an inner volume configured to retain a fluid therein. The metallic body includes a plurality of segments, at least one weld joint attaching the plurality of segments, an outer surface, and an inner surface facing and defining the inner volume. The component further includes a chrome-free protective coating disposed on each of the outer surface and the inner surface. The coating includes an epoxy layer, and an oxide layer disposed between the epoxy layer and the respective outer surface and inner surface.