MICROLOK MZN Finish

June 01, 2014

The MICROLOK MZN finish from Birchwood Technologies is a fine-grained zinc phosphate coating for iron and steel components. It provides protection up to 1400°F for high heat applications such as brake components. The patented MICROLOK MZN coating is a short, twenty-minute process that requires just five easy steps for processing.

When compared to room temperature blackening, the MICROLOK MZN coating exhibits better corrosion resistance and operates at half the cost. It is safe to apply at a temperature of 140-160°F with no boiling or splattering, and bath maintenance requiring only a simple titration procedure to monitor the concentration.

As a functional coating, MICROLOK MZN is an ideal finish for tooling and machine components, piston/cylinder assemblies, rotors & calipers, oil-field equipment or any part that does not require a dark black finish, but does require robust corrosion protection. The MICROLOK MZN zinc phosphate finish complies with MIL-DTL-16232G, Type Z, Classes 1, 2 and 3.

The MICROLOK MZN process is safe and easy to operate. Applying the finish requires only these five steps completed in just 15-20 minutes:

Clean the metal surface using SAFE SCRUB ST biodegradable cleaner: 150°F.

Rinse in clean water.

Apply MICROLOK MZN finish: 140-160°F.

Rinse in clean water.

Seal in DRI TOUCH AMBER IRP2.

Finishers with existing lines can easily convert to the MICROLOK MZN process. There are no technical or costly conversion challenges switching from an existing cold process using existing tank facilities. Also, new tank lines for MICROLOK MZN are available in any size from Birchwood Technologies at modest cost, ranging from small-scale manually operated lines to large volume CNC operated systems.

Related Glossary Terms

  • computer numerical control ( CNC)

    computer numerical control ( CNC)

    Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.

  • corrosion resistance

    corrosion resistance

    Ability of an alloy or material to withstand rust and corrosion. These are properties fostered by nickel and chromium in alloys such as stainless steel.