Birchwood Technologies Introduces Mid-Temperature Black Oxide

Photo Credit: Birchwood Technologies

Birchwood Technologies’ (Eden Prairie, Minn.) patent-pending Tru Temp 2^nd Gen mid-temperature black oxide is a re-engineered and improved finish based on the company’s original Tru Temp XL, introduced in 2001. According to Birchwood Technologies, Tru Temp 2^nd Gen greatly expands on the predecessor’s finish by finishing a wider range of ferrous metals including iron, steel, tool steels and most stainless steels — all with one black oxide formulation.

Tru Temp 2^nd Gen reportedly generates a darker and cleaner black oxide finish on an expanded range of high-alloy and high-strength steels and iron. The magnetite finish is non-dimensional at 1 μ thick and is ideal for machined components, non-machined components, powdered metals, metal injection molding (MIM) parts, tooling, gears, sucker rods and more.

Birchwood Technologies says Tru Temp 2^nd Gen operates at an optimum temperature range of 200°F-210°F, as does the original Tru Temp XL. The chemistry contains no EPA regulated metals, so rinse waters are generally sewerable by neutralizing the pH with a typical discharge range of pH 7-11. Additionally, reaching this pH range reportedly takes only 20% of the acid that other processes usually take. Since Tru Temp 2^nd Gen requires no effluent treatment, the initial investment is said to be about half of other blackening finishes.

Additional features of Tru Temp 2^nd Gen include protecting critical surfaces in storage, shipment and startup while resisting galling, aiding with break-in lubricity and lacking salt leaching problems. Plus, the process can be designed around several factors including: mix of alloys, hardness and reactivity, condition of the surface prior to blackening, parts handling employed and the final finish requirement in terms of appearance, gloss and corrosion resistance.

By using an in-house finishing system, Birchwood Technologies claims that companies can achieve cycle time reductions, inventory reductions and overall process improvements. ISO accountability is enhanced and Tru Temp 2^nd Gen meets compliance initiatives, including Mil-DTL-13924E.

Birchwood Technologies | 800-328-6156 | birchwoodtechnologies.com