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Tooling & Fixturing Devices Are Protected From
Corrosion & Galling With TRU TEMP® Low Temp Black Oxide

TRU TEMP® Low Temp Black Oxide

Eden Prairie, Minnesota: Tooling designers can achieve a durable, protective finish with the new TRU TEMP® low temp black oxide process from Birchwood Casey.

The TRU TEMP process is a proven advancement for protecting high value tooling and fixtures used in all types of manufacturing, especially vehicles, subassemblies, power transmission components and other machinery. In storage, shipment and startup, the TRU TEMP black oxide finish serves as a protective barrier against corrosion and provides break-in lubricity and anti-galling protection. The finish complies with MIL-DTL-13924, Class 1 and withstands 100-300 hours salt spray. The rich black appearance provides visual sales appeal as well.

Ideal for automotive fixtures including tool holding, workholding, welding, fastening, gaging and associated equipment, the TRU TEMP process forms a non-dimensional, deep black finish with long term corrosion resistance. It is ideal for components manufactured to tight tolerances, yet doesn't affect function. Because of its crystalline structure, the TRU TEMP finish has inherent break-in lubricity and galling resistance, thereby serving as a direct replacement for zinc phosphate finishes, but without the hazardous zinc content. This property makes it possible to operate the TRU TEMP process without the need for hazardous waste treatment equipment.

The TRU TEMP process itself operates at low temperature and contains no pollutants. Unlike other hot finishing methods, the TRU TEMP process can be safely operated in-house for ultimate control over quality and turnaround time. Total process time is just 25 minutes, and operating cost (including chemical and heating cost) is just 2 to 3 cents per pound of finished work. Most existing tank lines can be retrofitted for TRU TEMP at low cost. New automated and manually operated process lines are also available direct from Birchwood Casey in all sizes.

A major benefit of the TRU TEMP process is that it operates at only 200°F, eliminating the severe splattering and boilover hazards often experienced with conventional hot (290°F) black oxide finishing. Also, TRU TEMP's mild solutions prevent red coatings and white salt leaching that often plague ordinary black oxide finishes.
The TRU TEMP process contains no metals or other pollutants, so no waste treatment is required. Rinse waters are normally sewerable as non-hazardous discharge. This benefit simplifies the installation and minimizes the capital investment for setting up the process line.