Summary for hot black oxide issue Discussion
Hot black oxide issue: J. Smiskey asked why parts were coming out brownish-green with black spots and streaks, and what the remedy might be. Ross Haugberg of Birchwood Technologies said the most likely cause is a cleaning problem, since most finishing defects start with inadequate cleaning. His practical test was to thoroughly scrub one part with a tampico scrub brush and a solution of pumice and detergent before the normal cleaning step, then see whether the defect disappears. If that trial fixes the issue, it would point back to the cleaning stage rather than the black oxide process itself. The thread is brief and contains one clear recommendation from Ross: verify cleaning first before changing the rest of the process.
adv.
Q. I’m having an issue with my hot black oxide line. The parts are coming out with a brown/green color and also with dark black specks/streaks. Parts are 4140 forgings. Everything will run great for a while and then this problem will arise.
Wondering if someone can tell me why this is happening and what the remedy would be?
J. Smiskey
– Cameron, Wisconsin
January 31, 2024
A. Hi J.
The majority of all finishing problems are cleaning problems, and that seems the most likely issue to me. Next time it seems to be happening, thoroughly scrub one part with a tampico scrub brush
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eBay or
Amazon [affil link] & detergent before putting it through your regular cleaning step and see if that fixes it.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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A. Hello J,
I agree with Ted that this is likely a cleaning issue. Your cleaner may work well until it becomes saturated with contamination, at which point it becomes less effective at cleaning your parts. Signs of contamination in your baths can be oil-slicks on any of your tanks or generally a dirty appearance.
Another common cause of splotchy black oxide coatings is an initial inconsistent surface condition on the part. Mill scale, heat treat marks, and even burnt on oil/coolant can hinder the black oxide reaction and create non-uniform coatings. Any surface irregularities on the raw part that translate through the black oxide coating will need to be removed by chemical or mechanical means like strong acids or media-blasting. Otherwise, they should be eliminated by addressing the cause in the manufacturing process.
Good luck,
Ross Haugberg
Ross Haugberg – Technical Support Supervisor
Birchwood Technologies
Eden Prairie, MN
February 5, 2024