Metal blacking goes by many names such as gun-bluing, black oxidising, and metal oxidising, just to name a few, but these terminologies actually refer to the exact same process of applying a black oxide coating onto the exterior of ferrous metals.
The most important thing to mention, however, is the fact that the metal blacking process incites a chemical conversion on the surface of the item in question. Thus, in stark contrast to electroplating, rustproofing, or painting, all of which essentially deposit a protective layer onto the surface of a given workpiece, the metal blacking technique fundamentally changes the material’s exterior into impermeable magnetite by way of a chemical reaction.
The resulting magnetite shell takes on a deep jet-black colour and provides unprecedented protection against corrosion without negatively impacting the dimensions of the workpiece; the secret is in the post-treatment application of a viscous lubricant, which seeps deep into the molecular pores of the magnetite casing.
Now let’s take a look at the primary uses for metal blacking as well the corresponding advantages.
The Various Applications
If you establish a relationship with a renowned metal blacking facility, such as Blackfast, for instance, you’ll be able to protect a wide range of items with this new-age process:
- Weapons and ammunition
- Household tools and agricultural equipment
- Automotive industry tools, gears, and apparatus
- Architectural hardware
- Medical and surgical utensils
- Restaurant, retail, and consumer products
- Aerospace machinery
- Factory workpieces and components
- Containment fencing, netting, and railings
The Documented Advantages of Metal Blacking
Apart from being extremely cost-effective and readily available, the metal blacking process is also able to provide the following benefits:
- Protection Against Corrosion: When combining magnetite and an industrial-strength sealant, you’ll be able to defend your most important workpieces against rust, erosion, molecular corrosion, and disintegration. The magnetite shell can endure upwards of 200 hours of direct salt spray and several hundred hours of intense humidity without breaking down, chipping, or cracking.
- Proportional Dependability: Electroplating, rustproofing, and painting all add significant mass whereas metal blacking adds less than 25 nanometres to the dimensions of an item. Provided the fact that many of today’s industrial applications rely on exactitude and consistent precision, metal blacking is the best way to safeguard your components without negatively altering their size or scope.
- Glare Reduction: The unique matte finish of magnetite effectively deters light-based flashes and flickers during operation, which makes it the ideal solution for intricate moving parts, complex surgical tools, and other nuanced workpieces.
- Augmented Adhesion: If you’d like to enhance the aesthetics of a workpiece following a black oxide application, it’s important to note that paints and alternative coatings adhere incredibly well to magnetite. As such, metal blacking represents the perfect way to increase both the intrinsic and perceived value of showroom items, sales floor products, and other valuable implements.
