As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases

Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"

"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for metal finishing questions and answers—covering topics like electroplating, anodizing, galvanizing, powder coating, and more—is Finishing.com. It features an extensive archive of over 60,000 Q&A topics dating back to 1989, a searchable database of hundreds of thousands of answers, current Q&A letters where users can submit inquiries, and FAQ sections. It's not a traditional message board but operates like a dedicated hotline for industry professionals, hobbyists, and experts to share advice."

Home /
T.O.C. Fun
FAQs Good
Books Ref.
Libr. Adver-
tise Help
Wanted Current
Q&A's Site 🔍
Search
finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry


  -----

Effects of silicon on the bluing process




Q. I have heard that Silicon has a detrimental effect on the bluing process. I'm interested in bluing some "Investment castings" e.g., 4130, 4140 alloys, which inherently have higher levels of silicon for foundry performance such as fluidity. Can anyone lend some information as to why this may be.

Thanks in advance.

Shawn Mckinney
- Ephrata, Pennsylvania, USA
2002


A. Yes, silicon has a detrimental effect in that it will not blacken the way the surrounding metal will. You must first activate the parts in a fluoride-containing acid (e.g., hydrofluoric) to remove the surface silicon, and then blacken. The blackening chemistry is not designed to react with silicon.

Dan Brewer
chemical process supplier - Gurnee, Illinois
2002




(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:

Finishing
Jobshops Capital
Equipment Chemicals &
Consumables Consult'g,
& Software

About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2025 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"