Black Oxide Coating by Alpha Detroit for Tooling and Machining
19 September 2023
Elevate tooling and machining precision with Alpha Detroit’s Black Oxide Coating. Unleash the power of durability and performance. Call 03 9555 3682.
Black oxide coating, also known as blackening, is a conversion coating applied to ferrous metals. It intends to generate a thin layer of black iron oxide on the metal surface. Numerous steps are involved in this process. These steps include cleaning and preparing the metal surface, immersing the metal in a bath of oxidising chemicals, rinsing the metal with water, and letting it dry to remove excess moisture. The thickness of coating applied to a metal surface may range from a few micrometres to several micrometres.
When applied to metal tools and components, black oxide coating can carry out the following things to effectively extend their service life. These things are as follows.
Improve Corrosion Resistance
One of the primary reasons for applying black oxide coating to tools and machining components is to protect them from corrosion. The black oxide layer acts as a barrier, preventing moisture and other corrosive elements from coming into direct contact with the metal surface. Through the said layer, it can significantly reduce the risk of rust and corrosion, which helps prolong the service life of the tools even in harsh operating conditions.
Enhance Wear Resistance
Aside from improved corrosion resistance, black oxide coating can also help enhance the wear resistance of tools and machining components. Most of these things are involved in high-friction environments, exposing them to premature wear and tear. Black oxide coating can, fortunately, enhance the wear resistance of the tools, helping them withstand the rigours of cutting, drilling, and other machining operations. The hard black oxide layer serves as a sacrificial barrier to effectively reduce friction and minimise the wear on the tool’s surface.
Boost Lubricity
Black oxide coating exhibits natural lubricity, which is the ability to reduce friction between the tool and the workpiece. This low coefficient of friction facilitates smooth cutting, drilling, and machining operations, which leads to improved precision, reduced heat generation, and extended tool life once this coating has been applied to metal tools and machining components. The enhanced lubricity also helps in chip evacuation, which prevents chip buildup and lowers the chances of significant tool damage or breakage.
Maintain Dimensional Stability
Black oxide coating has minimal impact on the dimensional integrity of the tools and machined components. Unlike other coatings that add significant thickness or alter the part’s geometry, this coating process forms a thin layer that maintains the original dimensions of the tool. This working principle ensures that the coated tools can be used with precision and accuracy without compromising their fit or performance.
Add Attractive Finish
Apart from its functional advantages, black oxide coating can likewise add an attractive black finish to the tools and machined components. This dark and uniform appearance enhances the visual appeal of the tools, making them stand out in the workshop or production environment. It can also provide an aesthetic advantage when tools are used for decorative purposes or in consumer-facing applications.
All these things can only be carried out by black oxide coating. Hence, this process has been widely utilised in various industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing to effectively coat drill bits, taps, gears, shafts, fasteners, and other components.
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