Tru Temp 2nd GEN

November 16, 2021
Tru Temp 2nd GEN Mid-Temperature Black Oxide

The new patent pending TRU TEMP® 2nd GEN mid-temperature black oxide is a re-engineered and improved finish based on the original and widely used Tru Temp XL introduced in 2001. TRU TEMP® 2nd GEN greatly expands on the predecessor finish by expanding into finishing a wider range of ferrous metals including iron, steel, tool steels and most stainless steels, all with one black oxide formulation.

TRU TEMP® 2nd GEN generates a darker and cleaner black oxide finish on an expanded range of high-alloy and high-strength steels and iron. The magnetite finish is non-dimensional at 1 micron thick and ideal for machined components, non-machined components, powdered metals, MIM parts, tooling, gears, sucker rods and more. Jesse Vouk, Birchwood Technologies General Manager stated, “our customers asked us for one finish that could work with a wider range of materials while achieving a quality black oxide finish and TRU TEMP® 2nd GEN does that and more.” 

Operating at the optimum temperature range of 200° – 210°F as the original Tru Temp XL, TRU TEMP® 2nd GEN makes it easy to use in-house and operator friendly. The chemistry is easy to manage and contains no EPA regulated metals, so rinse waters are generally sewerable by neutralizing the pH with a typical discharge range of pH 7-11. Additionally, reaching this pH range takes only 20% of the acid than other processes. Since TRU TEMP® 2nd GEN requires no effluent treatment, the initial capital investment is only about half of other blackening finishes. 

Additional features of TRU TEMP® 2nd GEN include protecting critical surfaces in storage, shipment and startup while resisting galling, aiding with break-in lubricity, and no salt leaching problems. Plus, the process can be designed around several factors including: mix of alloys, hardness and reactivity, condition of the surface prior to blackening, parts handling employed, and the final finish requirement in terms of appearance, gloss and corrosion resistance.

TRU TEMP® 2nd GEN finish makes it easy and fast to supply customers just-in-time requirements. By using an in-house finishing system, a company can achieve cycle time reductions, inventory reductions and overall process improvements. ISO accountability is enhanced and TRU TEMP® 2nd GEN meets compliancy initiatives including Mil-DTL-13924E.

Related Glossary Terms

  • alloys

    alloys

    Substances having metallic properties and being composed of two or more chemical elements of which at least one is a metal.

  • black oxide

    black oxide

    Black finish on a metal produced by immersing it in hot oxidizing salts or salt solutions.

  • 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.

  • galling

    galling

    Condition whereby excessive friction between high spots results in localized welding with subsequent spalling and further roughening of the rubbing surface(s) of one or both of two mating parts.

  • hardness

    hardness

    Hardness is a measure of the resistance of a material to surface indentation or abrasion. There is no absolute scale for hardness. In order to express hardness quantitatively, each type of test has its own scale, which defines hardness. Indentation hardness obtained through static methods is measured by Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers and Knoop tests. Hardness without indentation is measured by a dynamic method, known as the Scleroscope test.

  • just-in-time ( JIT)

    just-in-time ( JIT)

    Philosophy based on identifying, then removing, impediments to productivity. Applies to machining processes, inventory control, rejects, changeover time and other elements affecting production.

  • lubricity

    lubricity

    Measure of the relative efficiency with which a cutting fluid or lubricant reduces friction between surfaces.

  • micron

    micron

    Measure of length that is equal to one-millionth of a meter.

  • stainless steels

    stainless steels

    Stainless steels possess high strength, heat resistance, excellent workability and erosion resistance. Four general classes have been developed to cover a range of mechanical and physical properties for particular applications. The four classes are: the austenitic types of the chromium-nickel-manganese 200 series and the chromium-nickel 300 series; the martensitic types of the chromium, hardenable 400 series; the chromium, nonhardenable 400-series ferritic types; and the precipitation-hardening type of chromium-nickel alloys with additional elements that are hardenable by solution treating and aging.

  • tool steels

    tool steels

    Group of alloy steels which, after proper heat treatment, provide the combination of properties required for cutting tool and die applications. The American Iron and Steel Institute divides tool steels into six major categories: water hardening, shock resisting, cold work, hot work, special purpose and high speed.