Low-Temperature Finishing Process Achieves Break-In Lubricity for Gear Components
Birchwood Technologies’ Tru Temp low-temp black oxide process is said to enable gear component manufacturers to easily achieve break-in lubricity, robust corrosion protection and galling resistance on critical components
Birchwood Technologies’ Tru Temp low-temp black oxide process is said to enable gear component manufacturers to easily achieve break-in lubricity, robust corrosion protection and galling resistance on critical components. This black oxide process meets demanding finishing requirements while creating a non-dimensional finish, maintaining the same material hardness and load-bearing properties.
The blackening line operates at 200°F and forms a satin black magnetite finish that protects critical surfaces in storage, shipment and startup; resists galling; and aids in break-in. The blackening process takes just 30 minutes, the company says. The finish is Mil Spec- and RoHS-compliant, and withstands as much as 120 hours of neutral salt spray or several hundred hours of humidity. The finish provides a 0.5-micron-thick crystalline structure that allows it to effectively hold a rust inhibitor and serves as a sacrificial barrier to provide break-in lubricity and galling resistance. Critical parts are protected for storage or overseas shipment.
The process can reportedly be installed in any plant setting without endangering personnel or surrounding equipment. The operating solutions contain no EPA-regulated chemicals; process rinse waters are normally sent to the sewer as nonhazardous discharge. Most process lines do not require waste treatment equipment.
Tru Temp process lines are available in any size to fit part size and production volume.
