Black Oxide is not a typical plating process. Instead, it is a type of conversion coating where a chemical reaction occurs on the surface of the metal causing a very thin layer of oxide to form.
This means that there will be much less buildup as compared to a typical metal plating process such as gold, nickel, copper.
Black Oxide is more used for its appearance then its function. The final appearance of your Black Oxide-treated part is heavily based on the appearance of the base material.
In addition, metals can be polished or abraded to increase or decrease reflectivity. If your end-goal includes light reflectivity the underlying material can be polished. Similarly, if your application calls for the surface to diffuse light, then you can opt for a matte/blasted finish to get the results you need.
Do You Need Black Oxide?
We perform Black Oxide according to the MIL-C-13924 standard. We also offer other black finishes such as Black Anodize, Black Nickel, and Black Ebonol.
Each of these finishes are more or less suitable for different applications. For example, Black Nickel tends to absorb light better while Black Anodize is more wear resistant. If you are unsure then it may be worth calling us before placing your order.
For help identifying the right black finish for your job simply contact us to get things started.
AOTCO Metal Finishing, a national leader in specialty finishing services, announced its strategic acquisition of Connecticut-based Modern Metal Finishing (MMF), further...
Electroplating is a process by which one metal is deposited onto a base metal (substrate). These deposited metals offer a variety of benefits including thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance and more. AOTCO electroplates a wide variety of both standard and exotic metals.
Sometimes called a “conversion coating” Anodizing is an electrolytic process in which an oxide (anodic) layer is chemically built on the surface of the substrate material, providing anti-corrosion and other benefits. AOTCO offers, Type I, Type 2, Type 3 and Titanium anodizing services.
Passivation is a term for a variety if processes that make a metal (most commonly stainless steel) or other substance unreactive, or passive, by altering the surface layer or coating the surface with a thin inert layer. AOTCO performs both citric and black oxide passivation techniques to a range of specifications.
AOTCO plates on a wide variety of Common, Exotic and Non-Metallic substrates, bringing exceptional expertise to magnesium, titanium, beryllium, BeCu, TeCu, tungsten and more. In some cases we pass as high as 450 degrees celsius, allowing for high temperature soldering, brazing, or post machining operations after plating.
Pre-Process: In addition to offering both mechanical & chemical cleaning options, AOTCO specializes in creating solutions for complicated, difficult and tight-tolerance masking challenges. Post-Process: For clients with specialized needs AOTCO offers laser marking and engraving options, including color change caused by chemical or molecular changes, charring, foaming, melting, ablation, and more.
Part of our cornerstone goal of building long-term, collaborative & solution-oriented partnerships, AOTCO will devote reserved physical and human resource capacity for our clients with long-term finishing and deadline requirements. For these partnerships our commitment is that AOTCO manages the process, while YOU control the results.
