Birchwood Technologies (Eden Prairie, MN) introduced the new, patent pending, TRU TEMP 2nd GEN mid-temperature black oxide, a re-engineered and improved finish based on the original and widely used Tru Temp XL introduced in 2001.
TRU TEMP 2nd GEN expands on the predecessor finish by expanding into finishing a wider range of ferrous metals including iron, steel, tool steels and most stainless steels, all with one black oxide formulation.
TRU TEMP 2nd GEN 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 micron thick and ideal for machined components, non-machined components, powdered metals, MIM parts, tooling, gears, sucker rods and more.
Operating at the optimum temperature range of 200° – 210°F as the original Tru Temp XL, TRU TEMP 2nd GEN makes it easy to use in-house and operator friendly. The chemistry is easy to manage and 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 takes only 20% of the acid than other processes. Since TRU TEMP 2nd GEN requires no effluent treatment, the initial capital investment is only about half of other blackening finishes.
Additional features of TRU TEMP 2nd GEN include protecting critical surfaces in storage, shipment and startup while resisting galling, aiding with break-in lubricity and no salt leaching problems.
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.
TRU TEMP 2nd GEN finish makes it easy and fast to supply customers just-in-time requirements. By using an in-house finishing system, a company can achieve cycle time reductions, inventory reductions and overall process improvements.
ISO accountability is enhanced and TRU TEMP 2nd GEN meets compliancy initiatives including Mil-DTL-13924E.
