GhostF1 wrote: ↑23 Sep 2020, 15:19
But anyway, thanks Ispano for your efforts in giving us this info. Always a treat to get a little more inside info or for you giving us your time to translate
GhostF1 you correctly stated that ceramics was never once mentioned in the article. For the benefit of others here I'll mention there are several more pages from both Sept(RA620H special Part 1: ICE) and Oct(RA620H special Part 2:MGUH+Energy Management) that go into great detail as to why Honda went this route, the events that led up to it, what their learnings were, new issues that arose after reaching certain milestones, how it has allowed them to cope with regulation changes such as reduction in oil use and oil loss, high power mode, and sustained average peak power. Honda was already working with this company with the motorcycle division(and others too) and while the motto was "All Honda" this company worked with Honda to create the new plating at the factory Honda Giken Kougyou, Kumamoto Seisakusho. It's evident Kumasei-mekki(Bear Plating) is the pride of Kumamoto and Japan and they have their own mascot cheerleader in Kumamon the Bear. Even Tamiya pays tribute with their Kumamon RC cars and mini-4wd cars.
Some here will say it's the same thing that others are doing etc. Honda went with K-Plating and worked together to create something specifically for the RA620H.
...the FIA banned the use of exotic materials in engine construction, and only aluminum and iron alloys were allowed for the pistons, cylinders, connecting rods, and crankshafts...
Anodizing involves dipping the prototype, part or component into a 30 degree bath of sulfuric acid and powdered aluminum. The concoction is electrified with less than 100 volts of DC current, which picks up oxygen and transforms the part’s exterior into aluminum oxide.
Ceramic coating, which is often referred to as micro-arc oxidation (MAO), involves dipping the part or component into an alkaline bath with a pH balance between eight and twelve. This yields AC currents that create oxygen-producing micro plasma that attach to the part’s exterior surface. (From Mercedes: Twin-wire arc spraying (TWAS) is used to apply an extremely thin coating based on an iron-carbon alloy)
Anodizing produces surfaces that are much harder than even heat-treated steel. It’s a tough outer coating that provides aluminum and aluminum alloy prototypes with corrosion-, abrasion- and wear-resistant protection that can be colored with organic dyes or metallic pigments.
Ceramic coating results in a finish that’s strong and capable of protecting aluminum and aluminum alloy parts. However, it differs from anodizing in that it typically cannot be colored with organic dyes or metallic pigments.
Anodizing requires the use of sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment. A prototype manufacturing service that finishes aluminum prototypes with selective anodizing typically takes extensive steps to ensure that the process is done with absolute precision in a safe manner, both for the expert technicians and the environment.
Finishing products with micro-arc oxidation typically doesn’t require the same level of precision, which means companies that offer this type of coating might not make the same level of investment in state-of-the-art machinery or expert technicians as those that offer anodizing.
