Metal Finishing – Plating & Coating
Chemical Blackening
Low-reflectance black oxide finish on steel with no dimensional change; used on optical and sighting system components.
Process
A black oxide layer formed on iron and iron alloys. Minimizes light reflection, so it is preferred on optical and sighting system components. Suitable for mildly corrosive environments.
What it provides
- Low-reflectance surface
- No dimensional change
Frequently asked questions
Does black oxide protect against corrosion?
Black oxide alone gives limited protection; finished with oil or wax to MIL-DTL-13924 it is adequate for indoor and opto-mechanical parts. Outdoors, zinc-nickel or paint is recommended.
Is there a dimensional change?
No. Blackening converts the surface rather than adding a layer, which is why it is chosen for tight-tolerance optical and sighting parts.
Have a drawing for this process?
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