IMPCO offers a comprehensive range of impregnation equipment, materials, and services that improve the plating and surface coating of most cast metal and powdered metal parts.

The impregnation process utilizes IMPCO’s RC-80 resin to successfully fill porosity, the sponge-like voids inherent in the internal structure of all metal parts. Caused by internal shrinkage, gas cavitation or inclusions, porosity can create serious problems for the would-be plater or finisher.

IMPCO employs both the wet vacuum and dry vacuum methods of impregnation to maximize sealing results. Resins commonly used include RC-80 and RC-2 polyester resins, epoxies such as IMSEAL-800, and sodium silicate materials such as X-900. Each impregnant has different characteristics and uses. For example, RC-80 and RC-2, used in both dry and wet vacuum systems, are 100% solids designed for use with all types of ferrous and non-ferrous alloy parts. IMSEAL-800 is ideal for limited special sealing operations where macro porosity requires specialized techniques to successfully seal gross surface defects caused by porosity.

Utilizing these methods and materials, IMPCO’s Impregnation Technology seals porosity, often found after machining, while enhancing the surface finish results. Defects in parts not impregnated prior to coating are identified as pinholes in the surface coating, severe coating blisters, deep pores and surface pitting. Impregnation fills the pores in castings thus preventing moisture and gasses from being trapped and causing the problems mentioned above.

Impregnation can be performed by IMPCO at is central location in Providence or at its various Imtech job shops in principal locations.