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Seeking Blue Color Finish for Impact Tool

2007

Part: roughly 5/8"" Dia x 2 3/4" long, 1/2" square drive, impact tool.(1/2" sq. on one end, 5/8" round body in middle,
7/16 hex driver on opposite end.)

Material: S5 Tool Steel, heat-treated to 50 Rc

Quantity: 2500 and 5000 pc lots, twice a year.

Finish: Dark or "Royal Blue" color. Corrosion resistance is not an issue, color is most important, as it is part of the marketing strategy for tool sales. Color build-up could be a problem on the ends of the tool, since the square and hex ends "mate" with fairly close fits.

Possible Solutions?:
Zinc plate with a blue Chromate(Bake to relieve H.E.)
Dye ...
Powder Coat, maybe, might be too thick on square/hex.



Appearance is the factor here, any help, ideas, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Jim Warrick
Mfg. (Special Fittings, Fasteners) - Pontiac, Michigan

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I think zinc plating and chromating with a blue dye will be the most durable and practical finish, although the color may not be quite exactly as you envision (it won't have the depth of the enamel-like finish in your picture).

Electrophoretic lacquer will give you a really nice color, and will be very thin --but any organic coating will chip in this kind of service.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007