Birchwood Casey

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Strong Corrosion Protection For Couplings, Torq Limiters And
Power Transmission Components Provided By TRU TEMP® Finish

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Eden Prairie, Minnesota: Couplings used in servo motor and other high speed automation applications take on a strong, protective and attractive black oxide finish when treated with TRU TEMP® low temperature, non-polluting black oxide from Birchwood Casey Metal Finishes.

The TRU TEMP process forms a non-dimensional, deep black finish with long-term corrosion resistance – the ideal surface finish for couplings, torque limiters, gears, shafts and similar power transmission devices.

The TRU TEMP finish also prevents galling on thread surfaces and other critical part features. The satin black magnetite coating is just 0.5 microns thick (20 millionths) with no effect on material hardness or tensile strength. The finish withstands up to 100-200 hours of neutral salt spray (ASTM B 117) or several hundred hours of humidity (ASTM D 1748), verified by independent testing. This high level of corrosion protection is important for both part storage and shipment in corrosive atmospheres including ocean shipment.

The TRU TEMP solution operates at only 200° F and uses mild alkaline chemistry that does not embrittle steel components. Consequently, the TRU TEMP system is a very safe and effective option for high quality, in-house black oxiding that improves quality with a short turnaround time. By contrast, conventional 290° F hot oxide processes are dangerous to operate because of their tendency for splattering and boilover.

Coupling manufacturers using the TRU TEMP process report part finishing costs such as coupling hubs were reduced from 20 cents each to just 4 cents each.* Turnaround time with an in-house system went from 5 days to same day so 24 hour order fulfillment became possible, providing an important marketing edge for these motion control component manufacturers.

A typical TRU TEMP installation processing time is just 25 minutes and operating cost (including chemical and heating cost) averages just $.01 to .03 per pound of finished work. Small parts can be processed in bulk loads with larger parts finished on racks. Most existing tank lines can be retrofitted for TRU TEMP at low cost. New process lines are available at modest cost from Birchwood Casey. The process can be automated, at low cost, through the use of a CNC programmable hoist system.

In addition, the TRU TEMP solutions contain no EPA regulated chemicals, so there is usually no need for waste treatment equipment. In most areas, the rinse waters are sewerable as non-hazardous discharge. This benefit simplifies the installation and minimizes the capital investment needed to set up the process line.