Breaking down the difference between Black Oxide and Black Manganese.

If your prototype risks exposure to water or harsh weather conditions, protecting against corrosion is critical. While stainless steel is a great material for withstanding wear and tear, it’s not the right option for every part. Some prototypes have magnetic properties or mechanical requirements that narrow the material choices to raw or carbon steel—and those materials should be coated to prevent rust and decay.

 
But how do you know which coating is right for your part? That’s what our team of expert engineers is here for! Let Arbiser Machine break it down for you. 

Conversion Steel Coating Options at Arbiser Machine

At our machine shop in Georgia, we use conversion coatings to protect against corrosion. The electrochemical process that produces the coatings forms a black appearance and offers mild corrosion resistance for raw or carbon steel. 

Here’s an overview of the Black Oxide and Black Manganese conversion coatings we offer:

Both steel coatings are lightly coated in oil, so there’s very little difference in cosmetic appearance. Black Manganese does, however, offer superior corrosion resistance: a 10% Lab Oil 100 coating yields 120 hours of salt spray resistance for Black Manganese compared to 48 hours for Black Oxide. 

Our standard recommendation is almost always Black Manganese, but if a part has tight tolerances, Black Oxide may be a better option because of the minimal coating build-up. (We don’t run into this issue often, but when we do, we’re always sure to call it out!) 

Arbiser Machine Will Help You Pick the Right Coating Option 

If you have a raw or carbon steel part that needs coating for corrosion resistance, Arbiser Machine has your back. Our team does right by customers 100% of the time. We’ll share our expert recommendations to make sure you get the highest quality part for the lowest price. 

Contact us today and get your prototype or production parts protected!