Tons of finishing and coating options can be applied to metal parts and products so they can attain more unique qualities. Some of these options may grant these things a matte surface, while others can become glossy. The colour of the parts and products may likewise be changed by different coating processes.
While industries enjoy the visual enhancements provided by most finishing and coating processes, they mostly apply them to make their parts more durable and more reliable. Through the right finishing process, their offerings can achieve better corrosion resistance. They can also boast added endurance against other damaging elements in the surroundings.
One coating process that can be done to metal parts and products is black oxide coating. The black oxide coating is carried out by dipping parts in an alkaline aqueous salt solution to introduce magnetite into their surface. This specific coating process can provide numerous advantages to a lot of industries.
Stealthy Look
One of the advantages of black oxide coating is that it gives off a stealthy look to the materials. The coating process can give off a dark black colour to the parts and products without any patina or rainbow effect. If these things, however, already boast shiny or matter surfaces before the black oxide coating process, then expect them to retain their default surfaces unless an additional finish will be applied.
Retained Dimensions
Another advantage of black oxide coating is that it can retain the dimensions of the parts being processed. Since black oxide coating only alters the surface property of the parts, manufacturers can ensure that their parts and products will be free from additional dimensional changes. They will not find any deposited or removed surfaces or areas to their newly coated parts and products.
Additional Resistance
Black oxide coating does not only improve the appearance of parts and products but can also improve their longevity. The elements generated out of the black oxide coating and its accompanying after finishes can provide parts and products with their much-needed resistance to corrosion and abrasion. Manufacturers can expect their parts and products to be more durable and last for a long time.
Improved Lubricity
Some parts and products have to be lubricated for them to be effective and functional. Fortunately, black oxide coating can make sure that these materials can attain improved lubricity. This process can also introduce better anti-galling characteristics to the parts and products due to the application of after-finish elements like oil or wax.
Reduced Reflection
Somehow related to their stealthy look, parts and products that have undergone black oxide coating can be less distracting as they have reduced reflection. As light hits some metal products, they tend to emit light glare that can be too distracting. Sometimes, they can even cause eye fatigue. Black oxide coating, luckily, alters the appeal of the products and makes them less distracting.
The advantages of black oxide coating make it useful for processing surgical instruments, hardware tools, electrical components, automotive parts, and even military weapons. To know more about black oxide coating, do not hesitate to call us at Alpha Detroit Heat Treatment.
Heat treatment is comprised of various processes that can change the physical and/or chemical properties of a material. Often used for metals, heat treatment has helped ensure that the materials can become more suitable for a specific application.
We, at Alpha Detroit Heat Treatment, have been in the industry of heat treatment for decades. By employing the best experts in the field, we can provide a wide range of specialty heat treatment services for complex engineering projects. Our company can likewise offer manufacturing services that can benefit all industries in Australia and New Zealand.
Our innovative processes and experience have granted us the opportunity to work with small run and unique projects. We even offer regular and repeat specialised heat treatment services to our customers. Some of the services that we offer are as follows.
Case Hardening
Case hardening is a process that modifies the chemical properties of a material. This service is done whenever a part needs to boast a durable surface and a softer core. It can also be done whenever additional elements must be integrated into the material. Once a part undergoes this process, it can effectively absorb shock and boast added strength. Case hardening can be applied to materials intended for generating blades, cutting tools, and gears.
Induction Hardening
Induction hardening is another process that we can carry out in our workshop. One thing that is unique about this process is that it can be applied selectively to a material. This process can be conducted through magnetic coils, which help in matching the geometry of the part and addressing areas that need additional ductility and strength. This process can be done with oil, polymer, or water.
Annealing
Annealing happens whenever a material is subjected to an extremely high temperature before cooling it slowly. This service can be performed whenever metal alloys have been softened. As they undergo annealing, their machinability is enhanced, allowing them to be processed again through grinding, quenching, and machining. The annealing process can likewise improve the hardness and chemical properties of the materials.
Tempering
Tempering is a process that is often conducted after quenching. This process aims to reduce the hardness of the materials, increase their ductility, and maintain their microstructure effectively. With tempering, the materials can overcome machining difficulties and create parts that will not fail easily. Parts that fail might have not undergone tempering or have not been quenched properly.
Stress Relieving
One more process that we can perform to materials is stress relieving. Stress relieving is a process that can remove internal dislocations and defects of the materials. As these flaws are removed, the materials are expected to be much more stable. This process is carried out to avoid changing the hardness and strength of the materials.
Our team of experts can conduct these processes without any issues. To acquire our services, you can contact us at Alpha Detroit Heat Treatment.