Birchwood Casey

Press Releases

3865

Black Oxide Process Development Allows Metal Component Manufacturers
To Analyze Finish Quality, Compare Costs, And Investigate In-House Finishing…
Free Service From Birchwood Casey

Eden Prairie, Minnesota: With all the parts finishing options available, it is often difficult for manufacturers to determine which might be the best one for a particular purpose, especially if they are a bit unfamiliar with metal finishing techniques. Likewise, from the suppliers' perspective, it can be difficult to optimize process parameters without actually seeing the parts in question. Consequently, when evaluating new finishes, the manufacturer should have some sample parts coated in order to test the various finishing options. Doing so often leads to new ideas and better ways to make products. Checking out the new finishing options from Birchwood Casey can lead to major production and bottom line improvements.

To facilitate this sample blackening and evaluation, Birchwood Casey has recently expanded its in-house lab and testing line to provide the optimal black oxide finish for metal components. The Birchwood Casey lab can accommodate several different finishing processes, on a prototype scale, bolstered by ASTM salt spray and humidity testing capabilities, as well as a full analytical lab.

3865 By actually coating samples of production parts, the Birchwood Casey engineers can determine the best black oxide process parameters for each type of surface, then return the finished parts to their owner for evaluation. The report that comes back with the parts details the cleaning, rinsing, activation, blackening and sealing operations that comprise the best overall black oxide cycle. Testing and evaluation turnaround time is typically 5-7 working days.

Interested parties should visit the Birchwood Casey website at: www.birchwoodcasey.com and fill out the Free Sample Blackening Worksheet. Then simply send 10-15 piece parts to Birchwood Casey labeled "Free Sample Blackening". Their engineers do the rest.

Along with the tried and true PRESTO BLACK® Cold Blackening technique, they can utilize the patented TRU TEMP® black oxide process which achieves a non-dimensional, uniform black magnetite finish, 20 millionths thick, that withstands 100-200 hours of salt spray. The TRU TEMP® process effectively blackens and protects cutting tools, hand tools, power drive components or other parts which cannot tolerate the dimensional change of painting or plating. Ideal materials are cast iron, tool steels, forgings, machined or ground surfaces, and even powdered metals.

Additional advantages of the TRU TEMP® black oxide process compared to standard hot oxide include: 190° F operation (100° lower than conventional black oxide), elimination of white salt leaching, true black finish of cast iron (versus red/brown coloring), and no EPA regulated chemistry. Compliant with MIL-C-13924C, Class 1, and numerous automotive standards, TRU TEMP is fast becoming the new industry standard for black oxide finishing.

Most existing black oxide lines can be retrofitted to accommodate the TRU TEMP process. Birchwood Casey also offers complete, pre-engineered finishing lines in 5 gallon, 40 gallon, and 100 gallon sizes.

Take advantage of this FREE no obligation offer. Send 10 to 15 components to:
Birchwood Casey
7900 Fuller Road
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344-9702