Black Oxide Coating

Black oxide coating is a chemical conversion coating process that converts the top layer of a metals to a naturally occurring black iron oxide. This black oxide coating provides a clean aesthetic finish with minimal change to thickness or dimensional tolerances (a low as five millionths of an inch). Also, this coating does not affect the sharpness of precision fastener components or increase the brittleness like some coatings.

Fastener materials that can receive black oxide treatment include stainless steel, carbon steel, and non-ferrous metals, such as copper, under suitable conditions. Black oxide cannot be produced over plated parts. In such cases, the plating must be stripped prior to the black oxide process. Adding a black oxide coating to metal fasteners provides both a decorative finish and protective barrier for added abrasion and corrosion protection. When treated with an after-finish, such as oil or wax, black oxide fasteners offer high levels of performance and dependability in mission-critical systems and applications.

Black oxide fasteners and U-bolts offer the following benefits and advantages:

• Minimal dimensional changes with no build up on corners or extra part thickness
• Long-lasting decorative finish that adds aesthetic appeal
• Improves corrosion and abrasion resistance
• Budget-friendly alternative compared to other fastener coating options
• Provides better lubrication between parts to reduce friction
• Resistant to peeling, chipping, cracking, and fading
• Low effect on conductivity making it suitable for electrical parts
• Does not release noxious fumes when welded
• Minimizes light reflection and glare
• Can be produced in large batches (ideal for smaller parts) for quicker turnaround times
• Provides excellent adhesion for paints if necessary

U-Bolt-It Offers Custom Black Oxide Coating

U-Bolt-It not only offers high-quality fasteners that are designed and manufactured in a wide range of materials, we also offer specialty coatings to further enhance the performance properties of our fasteners. For example, our standard and custom black oxide U-bolts offer a protective barrier that enhances both the appearance and performance at a cost-competitive price compared to other finishes and coatings.

During the black oxide process, we pay careful attention to temperature, chemistry, and processing times to produce complete and uniform coverage of the entire surface of the fastener or part. Also, we can add after-finish to help determine the fastener configuration and end use. We offer black oxide coating to different fastener types, including:

• Custom U-Bolts
• Custom Bent Bolts
• Custom Speciality Fasteners
• Eye Bolts
• Hex Nuts
• Washers

Applications of Black Oxide Fasteners

Black oxide is often used where tight tolerances are required with minimal change to surface dimensions. Also, because of its clean aesthetic finish, it is also used for decorative purposes. Meeting high industry standards, our black oxide fasteners are used in a wide variety of industries, including:

• Agriculture
• Automotive
• Electrical
• Heavy Equipment
• Machine Tools
• Medical
• Military
• Mining
• Power Generation

U-Bolt-It Offers Precision Coating Services for Fasteners

U-Bolt-It offers high-quality, certified-engineering coating services to improve fastener performance and reliability and increase life span. We offer low friction, corrosion protection, and wear protection coatings that are tailored to your industry standards and applications. For example, our black oxide coatings do not add to part thickness, which allows it to retain its dimensional tolerances without affecting its sharpness.

Since 1988, we have been providing world-class customer service, quick turnaround times, and high-quality fastener products and components to a wide range of industries and applications. While we offer an industry-leading range of superior-quality fasteners, it is our extensive expertise and product knowledge that is the difference maker. Our team of professionals is dedicated to building a long-term customer relationship and providing valuable advice to help our clients pick the right fastener type, material, and coating for every application. Let us treat your next large batch or short run of premium fasteners with our in-house black oxidizing process.

Contact a member of the U-Bolt-It team to find out how we can help you select the right fastener coating for your next project.