Black finishing is often used to colour steel and iron components black. This safe and simple chemical immersion process can be facilitated at room temperature. If you manufacture precision engineered components that require an aesthetic finish, then you may want to consider this enhancement. Manufacturers in the tooling and machinery field can make full use of this type of finish.
The Benefits Associated with Metal Blacking
You will find that blacking precision-made metal components offers a number of benefits. These advantages include the following:
- No dimensional change. Machine parts that are made to a tight tolerance often cannot accept paints or plating. However, blacking can be used to complement the looks of these kinds of components.
- Resistance to corrosion. The black colour that is applied to the part’s surface absorbs rust-preventative sealants and oil and wax, thereby offering corrosion protection.
- Added sales appeal. The black finish that results from metal blacking upgrades the look of a broad range of manufactured components.
- Extra safety. When a black finish is applied, any added glare is removed from machinery or tools. As a result, a metal part or machine coloured black reduces fatigue and contributes to overall operator safety.
A Strong Deterrent against Corrosion
Also called metal blackening, the blacking of metals is a finishing procedure that alters the chemical composition of some metal surfaces. That is because the process forms a strong barrier on a metal’s surface that imparts resistance to both rust and moisture. This type of corrosion deterrent is often less expensive than finishing options such as metal plating or painting.
Every Part of the Surface Is Transformed
The metal blacking process uses chemical agents that adhere to a treated metal’s surface. This type of chemical finishing process is attractive because the finish can penetrate every space of a metal’s surface. Therefore, the entire surface is transformed when a blacking finish is used.
Schedule a Demonstration of the Process
Metal blacking can be used for such metals as iron, aluminium, steel, or zinc. Before making a decision, manufacturers should arrange for a demonstration at their facility or at a metal blacking company’s sample processing facility.
Two distinct processes are used for blacking metals. Hot metal blacking uses sodium hydroxide that is mixed with oxidising agents, such as sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate. Cold blacking is the other process that is used to finish metals black. The application is implemented at room temperature. Therefore, a hot solution is not needed, in this instance, to produce a black colour. For example, the chemical blacking of steel can be accomplished through an application of selenium or copper.
The Ideal Finish
These types of blacking solutions make it possible for you to upgrade the quality of your metal products and enhance their desirability and application. Plus, you cannot overlook the factor of safety. When you blacken metal, you make it easier to use in the form of a machine or tool. Black is the ideal finish then if you wish to ensure worker safety and increase component sales.
