The OXiTECH Project
Our response to oxidation
Cutting-edge technology with an eye on the environment
The OXiTECH treatment arose from a specific need: The magnesium rim, after mechanical processing, has a problem related to its oxidation. OXiTech is our answer to this problem.
Why OXiTECH
“The OXiTECH treatment was born from a specific need: The magnesium rim, after mechanical processing, has a problem related to its oxidation. This natural process is usually curbed by chromating, an anti-corrosive treatment of magnesium, with iridescent golden yellow coloring, which is quite old-fashioned. But the main limitation is durability: in fact, with the passage of time and use of the rims, chromating is lost, leaving the way clear for magnesium oxidation and corrosion. Hence the desire to study an alternative method that would allow us to maintain the aesthetic and functional characteristics of the magnesium rim throughout its existence.”
Tommaso Stefanello – Owner of AMV
Innovation
The innovative OXiTECH treatment introduced by AMV consists of a special plasma electrolytic anodization that gives magnesium extraordinary corrosion and wear protection characteristics.
Unlike traditional anodizing treatments, the new process uses high currents that create a plasma on the surface of the part. This results in a micro-fusion of the oxide layer that mineralizes and compacts, increasing hardness and wear resistance. The layer formed is about 10µm, a minimum size that does not affect the quality parameters of AMV and allows, in contrast to painting, that the circles do not have to be reshot on the machining centers to grind the striking surfaces.
The OXiTECH treatment
Our treatment process enables Magnesium to achieve extraordinary corrosion and wear protection characteristics and, in addition, also gives it greater resistance to the abrasion that is, usually, created during the mounting and dismounting of the tire on the rim.
All magnesium-produced accessories, after mechanical processing, have a problem related to oxidation. Usually this natural process is interrupted by chromating, an anti-corrosive treatment that imparts an iridescent golden-yellow color and is now proven antiquated and does not last, still allowing oxidation and corrosion in the long run. OXiTECH treatment consists of electrolytic anodizing that uses high currents to create a plasma on the surface of the part.
This results in a micro-fusion of the oxide layer that mineralizes and compacts, increasing hardness and wear resistance. The layer formed is about 10µm, a thickness that does not affect quality parameters and allows, as opposed to painting, the magnesium characteristics to be maintained. It is the compact layer of ceramic oxides created that gives AMV OXiTECH magnesium wheels their characteristic matte white color, which remains unchanged over time.
Caring for the environment
Attention to the environment is one of the main factors behind all of AMV’s research and development
The AMV OXiTECH treatment eliminates the previously used chrome plating process. A process that involved the use of chromium-6, which is harmful to the environment. Oxitech treatment, on the other hand, uses no toxic chemicals or hexavalent chromium and has virtually no impact on the environment or health.