Black Oxide Coating is a popular finishing that is applied on steel and other ferrous metals to give a black finish with a uniform appearance, with the use of this corrosion resistance and lubricity. The process is considered to be the simplest and least expensive, increasing the life and longevity of metal components with minimal change in their size. In other sectors, such as fasteners and machinery, a black oxide type of finish is preferred to be reliable, as it gives the bolts, screws, and other critical components their performance despite the extreme environmental factors. The knowledge of the black oxide coating process helps engineers and manufacturers in choosing the appropriate components to be used in their applications in order to be functional and presentable. In this guide, the readers will get to know about the process of the black oxide coating, the advantages, and the use and the limitations of the coating in various steel and fastener pieces.
What Is Black Oxide Coating and Where Is It Used?
Black oxide is a chemical process that is applied to different types of steel or ferrous metals by creating a thick, dark, matte layer known as a black oxide finish. Unlike your traditional plating, it doesn’t add any bulk to the components and keeps the original dimension remain intact. This coating enhances the corrosion resistance and also improves the appearance of the components make it a popular choice in the steel and fastener industries. Understanding the black oxide coating process helps the buyer and manufacturer to achieve consistent results in different components like bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.
The black oxide coating is widely used in many machinery, assemblies, and automotive components, and many industrial applications where appearance and general protection are needed. Many machine internal parts, fasteners and metal get benefits from its non-reflective and durable surface make it a good choice for both aesthetics and functionality. The black oxide finish is the best choice for that industry that doesn’t want full corrosion resistance but a reliable and sleek coating.
Black Oxide Coating Process
The black coating process is a simple and easy process that transforms the surface of steel or ferrous metal into a uniform black matte finish. The black coating process is done in just three practical steps.
Clean and degrease the Part
First, remove all the oils and dirt or any types of contaminants from the surface so you get a uniform coating. The proper cleaning can reduce the chances of any uneven color or poor adhesion to the material.
Immerse in Blackening Bath
Then put the metal or components in the heated chemical bath that forms a thin black layer on its surface. This step provides the characteristic to black oxide finish, giving a color and matte appearance while maintaining its original dimensions.
Seal with Oil or Wax
Finally, coat the part with the assistance of oil or wax that enhances its resistance to corrosion and minimizes friction in the assembly process. The process ensures uniform protection, easy functionality of fasteners and offers longevity in industrial or machinery usage.
Benefits of a Black Oxide Finish
The black oxide finish has many key benefits for the metal on which it is applied. Some of the benefits are listed below.
Non-Reflective, Attractive Surface
By applying black oxide coating, it creates a dark matte appearance that reduces glare and gives a uniform look to the components. This provides a non-reflective finish often used in assemblies and the machinery industry, where aesthetics and light reflection matter.
Improved Lubricity for Easier Tightening
Another benefit that black oxide finish provides is that it provides surface lubricity which helps to reduce friction during assembly and also tighten fasteners and be more consistent.
No Significant Dimensional Build-Up
Rather than plating or thick coating, black oxide forms directly on the surface of the metal without adding any extra thickness to it. These things reduce the changes in dimensions, which is important for thread parts, precision components and tight tolerance assemblies.
Cost-Effective Compared to Heavier Coatings
The other reason why it is superior to other finishes is that it is relatively cheaper than other protective finishes such as zinc plating, powder coating or cadmium plating. It offers a low cost, clean appearance and a slight corrosion resistance and is suitable where the maximum protection is not needed.
Limitations of Black Oxide Coating
The black oxide provides a clean finish and offers light corrosion resistance, so it’s not made for heavy-duty industries where high corrosion is required, like marine or high-humidity conditions. Also, it needs to be sealed properly with oil, wax, or another proprietary layer to regulate maintenance and its performance.
Black Oxide Fasteners Available at Jade Alloys
Jade Alloy supplies a wide range of premium industrial fasteners that are also delivered with the black oxide coating finish. The surface finish needs to be in a uniform manner, with controlled tolerance, and non-reflective to light without affecting the dimensional accuracy. The black oxide finish is used in different industries such as machinery assemblies, piping systems, structural connections, and general industrial installations.
Our portfolio includes all the normal and heavy duty fasteners that come with a black oxide finish, and they are used in different industries.
| Product | Price |
| Hex Bolts | Check Price Now |
| Heavy Hex Bolts | Check Price Now |
| Stud Bolts | Check Price Now |
| Heavy Hex Nuts | Check Price Now |
| Standard Nuts | Check Price Now |
| Anchor Bolts | Check Price Now |
