I am trial fitting some sexy black traveler and Genoa tracks on Rutu. I have the fitting just about perfect but the only thing you see is the glaring stainless flat head screws. I cannot find 316 stainless 5/16 x 3" flat head machine screws in black oxide 316. How hard is it to put a durable black oxide finish on 316 and how do you do it.
I could powder coat them black but that might make the heads stand up a little and interfere with the precision slides.
By definition of stainless you can't get oxide on it. I've used black fasteners in the aviation business, but I think they were aluminum anodized. I want to say that I've seen something in stainless, but for the life of me I can't remember what it is.
316 Stainless will oxidise but it reduces the corrosion resistance and the heat required, if done thermally, will soften the bolt. There are chemical solutions that will do the job if required.
Great link; thanks. It goes in my resource files.
-- --Pete "Peter W. Meek"
You might also google for black chrome plate. I think that is how stainless gun barrels are made black.
Dan
Stainless gun barrels are blackened by treating them in a specialized hot bath made by Brownells called Oxynate 84
Randy
I just googled on "Black Chrome". It does exist and is used on gun barrels. Not the only way to get black chrome, but possibly more durable than other methods.
Dan
Brownells Gunsmithing Supplies has stuff for oxidizing stainless steel
brownells.com IIRC
============================================== Put some color in your cheeks...garden naked!
Since you can powder coat you could just grind a few thou off the screw heads and then the clearance will not be a problem.
Plan "B" would be just to use a marker and make them black.
I would agree that black chrome would be more wear / galling resistant.
PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.