Blacking of iron and steel at room temperature
A process developed for safe and reliable use in factories and workshops

A simple and cost effective process for chemically blacking iron and steel at room temperature is now available, requiring no chemical knowledge and producing no environmental hazard. Blackfast Chemicals’ process is suitable for engineering works, workshops and toolrooms. By straightforward immersion in a series of tanks precision engineered components are rendered a deep black with no change to their overall dimensions. The benefits are lower cost, fast turn around of finished product, reduction in component stocks, flexibility and inhouse quality control.

The simple nature of the room temperature process means a Blackfast line is equally suitable for factory production employing a fully or semi automatic line or for a manual line in a small workshop or toolroom.

Unlike the conventional method of blacking, whereby components are immersed for 30 minutes in cauldrons containing chemicals boiling at 140 C, the room temperature process is essentially non-hazardous and is quick and easy to use. The blacking solution does not carry a toxic or corrosive label. It is a safe, odourless solution used in water at a strength of 1 part solution to 3 parts water. Those companies that operate their own hot blacking line, or are considering changing their finishing process, can benefit in the following ways by adopting a room temperature blacking line. There is no expensive capital equipment required - plastic or rubber lined tanks will do. Extraction equipment is either minimal or not necessary as there is no damage to the fabric of the facility - a common fault given the corrosive nature of the fumes from the hot blacking line. There are no heating costs, the solution can be used immediately and does not require 2 hours to reach operating temperature. There are no salts that subsequently leach out into holes and small orifices. A short dwell time allows rapid throughput of production and high coverage per gallon. The health benefit to the operator is immeasurable.

The Blackfast solution control is simple and replenishment is achieved by topping-up. Dumping is not necessary as with other systems. The Blackfast process is convenient and can be located anywhere without the need for ventilation or complicated control procedure. The solutions are stable, reliable and surprisingly easy to maintain.

Any precision engineering company manufacturing metal parts which require colouring and corrosion protection without resulting in dimensional change would benefit by installing their own Blackfast, room temperature blacking line.

Examples of product commonly blacked:-

Machinery, Drills, Taps, Counter bores, Cast iron components, Hydraulic components, Jigs, Fixtures, Machine tools, Hand tools, Tool holders, Gauges, Gears, Moulds, Fasteners ........ and many more!

Applications of Blackfast

BLACKFAST solutions are easily controlled by a simple titration procedure. As the active ingredients are gradually used up, additions of fresh solution are added. All tanks, baskets, jigs, and barrels used in the process must be acid resistant therefore polypropylene is ideal for the process.

Features of Blackfast

Blacking of iron and steel provides a finish which offers the following features:

NO DIMENSIONAL CHANGE:
Many machined parts are manufactured to a tight tolerance, which means plating or painting are not acceptable.

CORROSION RESISTANCE:
The black surface absorbs wax, oil or rust preventative sealants to give corrosion protection.

SALES APPEAL:
A durable black finish enhances the appearance and value of a wide range of manufactured articles.

SAFETY:
By reducing light glare from moving tooling or machinery, it eases fatigue and contributes to operator safety.

Blackfast Benefits