Birchwood Casey

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New Finishing Option For Hand Tools -- TRU TEMP® Low Temp Black Oxide For Rust Protection And Attractive Appearance

Eden Prairie, Minnesota: Manufacturers of hand tools have discovered a new option for black oxide finishing -- TRU TEMP® low temperature black oxide -- for an attractive, high quality, black finish that provides long term corrosion protection.

The TRU TEMP finish protects tool surfaces of all types, including wrenches, sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, chisels, etc. with a non-dimensional deposit that does not interfere with the function of the tool. The process provides branded hand tools with a deep black, protective finish that resists rust and also displays well in retail packaging.

The TRU TEMP finish has already proven itself on high value tooling and machine components such as cutting tools, gears and power drive components, and meets military specifications MIL-DTL-13924 and AMS 2485. Now this high level finish is available for consumer hand tools and is safe and economical to operate.

In contrast to other finishing methods, the TRU TEMP process takes just 25 minutes of processing time with a chemical cost of only $.01-.02 per pound of finished work. Small parts can be processed in bulk loads, larger parts in baskets or on racks. Most existing tank lines can be retrofitted at low cost to accommodate the process, or new tank lines are available from Birchwood Casey in all sizes.

Because the TRU TEMP process contains no EPA regulated chemicals, there is usually no need for waste treatment equipment. In most sewer districts the rinse waters are considered sewerable as non-hazardous effluent. This feature simplifies the installation and minimizes the capital investment needed to set up the process line.

Since the TRU TEMP process operates at only 200°F, it avoids the severe splattering and boilover hazards often seen with conventional hot oxide tanks. The relatively mild solutions used in the process line also prevent the formation of red coatings and white salt leaching that often plague ordinary black oxide finishes.

Birchwood Casey offers sample part processing at No Charge.