Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Birchwood Casey Metal Finishes introduces TRU TEMP, a low-temperature, non-polluting black oxide for use on high-strength bolts and critical fasteners.
The TRU TEMP process forms a non-dimensional, deep, black finish with long-term corrosion resistance. The finish also prevents galling on critical thread surfaces. The satin black magnetite coating is 0.5 microns thick with no effect on material hardness or tensile strength. The finish withstands up to 200 hours of neutral salt spray or several hundred hours of humidity, verified by independent testing. This high level of corrosion protection is important for both part storage and shipment in corrosive atmospheres, the company says..
The TRU TEMP solution operates at only 200 degrees F and uses mild alkaline chemistry that does not embrittle the steel. Consequently, the TRU TEMP system is a safe and effective option for high-quality, in-house black oxiding that improves quality with a short turnaround time, according to the company.
Total processing time is 25 minutes, and operating cost (including chemical and heating cost) ranges from $0.01 to $0.03 per pound of finished work. Small parts can be processed in bulk loads with larger parts finished on racks.
In addition, the TRU TEMP solutions contain no regulated chemicals, so there is usually no need for waste treatment equipment. In most areas, the rinse waters are sewerable as non-hazardous discharge.
For more information, visit birchwoodcasey.com.
SOURCE: Birchwood Casey Metal Finishes
