Conversion Coatings
Conversion coatings is a generic term used to refer to a coating produced by a chemical or
electrochemical treatment of a metallic surface that gives a superficial layer containing a
compound of the metal. For ease of explanation we are going to further sub-divide this
category into steel conversion coatings, chromate conversion coatings, and anodize which
is covered elsewhere.
Steel Conversion Coatings (Black Oxide & Phosphate)
Black Oxide:
Black Oxide is a conversion coating formed by a chemical reaction with the iron in the
metal to form an integral protective surface. (Contrasted to an applied coating which bonds
to the metal but does not react chemically.) A black oxide conversion coating is applied to
ferrous alloys when oxidizing salts react with the iron to form magnetite (Fe3O4), the black
oxide of iron. Though standard Black Oxide is set up for steel, it can be done on other
substrates including stainless steel, copper, and brass among others.
Typically black oxide has a post dip of either oil or wax to improve the corrosion protection
of the finish. Black oxide offers a nice, matte black appearance at a low cost.
Black Oxide Features:
Corrosion Resistance (when oiled/waxed)
Appearance
Cost Competitive
Dimensional Stability
Black Oxide Applications:
Model railroad track
Firearm components
Precision bearings
Tooling
Black Oxide Specifications:
AMS 2485
MIL C 13924
MIL DTL 13924
AnoBlack SS
Phosphate:
Phosphate, also known by trade names Parkerize and Lubrite, is an immersion process by
which small crystalline structures of iron, zinc or manganese are ‘grown’ on steel alloys.
There are three main types in use: Iron, Zinc, and Manganese. Anoplate offers Zinc and
Manganese phosphating. Iron and Zinc phosphating may be accomplished by power-
spraying (not here at Anoplate) or immersion while Manganese can only be done by
immersion. Iron is primarily used for corrosion resistance as a substrate, or primer, for
painting. Zinc is used to prepare automobile and truck bodies as well as appliances before
painting. It also is used in cold-forming to extend the life of dies in conjunction with
drawing or forming lubricants. Manganese phosphate, the most commonly done at
Anoplate, is often used on piston rings, cam shafts, gears and such as a protection against
seizing of the surfaces and wear during the break-in periods. The finish acts to prevent
metal to metal contact and serves as a reservoir for oil films. Manganese phosphate is never
used as a paint base.
Phosphate Features:
Corrosion Protection (when oiled)
Good paint and oil base
Protects base steel for top coat applications
Holds lubricants in place for good break-in
Phosphate Applications:
Retain oil on parts such as gun triggers and barrels
Adhesion of paint or dry lube on steel parts
Lubrication during drawing or shaping
Gears and cam shafts during break-in periods
Aluminum Chromate Conversion Coatings
Chromate
conversion coatings are a varying group that can be done as a stand alone finish, used by
itself, or as a secondary post finish treatment, used over a metal plating. Chemical Film on
Aluminum, also called by proprietary names of Alodine or Irridite, is a thin, clear or yellow
conversion coating used as a primer for paint, general protection to prevent aluminum from
oxidizing, or used in conjunction with masking of an anodized finish for conductivity
properties. While it may be somewhat confusing in that it is sometimes used with another
finish when masked off, such as either hardcoat or sulfuric anodize, but when we say
secondary post treatment it is meant as a chromate over another finish such as Zinc or
Cadmium. Chromates are what give the color options such as yellow, black, or olive drab to
Zinc or Cadmium finishes.
Aluminum Chromate Conversion Coatings Features:
Good base for paint applications
Protects from corrosion
Provides good electrical properties
Easily applied
Chromate Conversion Coatings Applications:
Adhesion of paint or other organic coating
Inexpensive immersion protective coating for aluminum
Cabinetry of electronic power supply
Applied by brush in field as touch-up for damaged anodize or paint
On aluminum or mixed metal assemblies that can’t be anodized
