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Q&As since 1989


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Melonite vs Tennifer process for golf club heads? Which is the best?

I want to have a process performed on my golf club heads. I have seen examples on eBay , but the results seem to have a black with slight brown muddling, which I don't want. I want a durable, rust resistant, beautiful result. I may be interested in colors other than black, such as gunmetal grey, or even brown or ?. I just want high quality, and if cyanide is necessary in order to get a higher quality product, who can I contact in Europe?
Who dominates this industry, and why do I sometimes see "great results" (who knows what they will look like in a couple of years) and very unappealing results. I remember in the 70's when you could get colored alloy wheels for cars....is this process something to consider and who has it available? I am really looking, so can someone who knows the best way to go please let me know? Thanks!

Tom Vosper
Golfer and Gun owner - El Dorado Hills, California
January 6, 2009

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Hi, Tom. Melonite and Tennifer are exactly the same thing, licensed from the same company. See letter 32469 for links to the primary reference on this. These are salt bath nitriding processes and there is no coloring involved; it will probably come out dark charcoal gray to black.

I do not believe that Europe allows a process that the USA forbids; I believe this to be urban legend unless someone can quote a regulation.

I don't remember the colored alloy wheels that you speak of, but wheels are aluminum and your gold club heads are steel, so completely different finishing processes are involved. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
January 16, 2009