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A General Overview of the Black Oxide Coating Process

03 December 2021

Manufacturers often maximise different metals and alloys to generate quality parts and products. They likewise carry out various processes so that their parts and products will obtain the needed qualities.

Most parts and products that are processed by manufacturers often boast improved qualities for the subsequent processes. Those that have undergone quenching may become hard but brittle. Cold working metals can then make them stronger but more difficult to deform. But once the parts and products have achieved the needed final qualities, they are often subjected to processes that enhance their surface.

One great process that enhances the surface of metal parts and products is black oxide coating.

A Quick Introduction to Black Oxide Coating

Black oxide coatingis the process of changing the surface of a metal part or product through a chemical treatment. This process often applies an extra layer of protection to the part or product that is mostly made from stainless steel, copper, copper-based alloys, zinc, powdered metal, and silver solder.

The process of black oxide coating can generally enhance the corrosion resistance and appearance of the part or product. It can likewise minimise light reflection. 

Conducting the Black Oxide Coating Process

Black oxide coating can be done in three ways.

  1. Hot Bath: Black oxide coating through a hot bath can be achieved by dipping the product into various tanks while frequently placing it in water. Once the dipping process is done, the porous top layer of the product is applied with oil. The application of oil improves the corrosion resistance of the product. 
  2. Mid-Temperature Bath: Mid-temperature bath may be conducted similarly to the hot bath, but it does not release the same amount of toxic fumes as the latter. Through a mid-temperature bath, the product’s surface is expected to be converted to magnetite at a lower temperature. 
  3. Cold Coating: Cold coating, ultimately, is done by the application of a copper selenium compound to the product at room temperature. Compared to the hot bath, the cold coating does not require tons of chemicals and a hot environment just to conduct the black oxide coating process. Enhancing the corrosion resistance of the product can then be achieved by applying oil or wax to its surface.

Advantages of Black Oxide Coating Process

The black oxide coating process can bring tons of benefits to the products being processed by manufacturers. With this process, the products can effectively become more resistant to corrosion and abrasion. Black oxide coating can also add an appealing decorative finish to the products. It is even cheaper and more affordable than other finishing processes. Another great advantage of the black oxide coating process is that it allows manufacturers to process many products in one go.

To know more about black oxide coating, you can call us at Alpha Detroit Heat Treatment. We provide a wide range of services for all your heat treatment needs. Our expertise allows us to suggest the most appropriate process for your heat treatment requirements.

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