Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Help on darkening stainless steel ball bearings

Hello, We are a manufacturer of slip indicators for aircraft and we use steel ball bearings as an indicator in a glass tube with dampening fluid (usually alcohol) to tell the pilot if the tail of the aircraft is slipping. We are currently trying to darken 6mm stainless steel balls for this application since they are non-magnetic (aircraft requirement). Does anybody have any suggestions on how to darken the balls yet retaining a nice smooth gloss finish? Once deposited in the glass tube with the fluid the surface becomes magnified so the finish must not be the typical matt black anodized finish. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Ned Denigan
- Phila, Pennsylvania, USA
2000

Ned -

Try having the parts black oxided. The finish on SS is resistant to alcohol.

(Find a shop in your area that uses Black Magic SS).

Dan Brewer
chemical process supplier - Gurnee, Illinois
2000

(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: