What is INOX Noir?
INOX Noir is WDS components NEW range of chemically blacked Stainless Steel products. INOX NOIR we believe is now the market leader in range, quality and availability.
WDS have taken our standard 303 Stainless Steel and 316 Stainless Steel products and chemically treated the products to improve their resistance to water and chemical exposure, and made them better!
What are benefits of chemically blacked stainless steel?
Chemically blacked stainless steel refers to stainless steel that has undergone a chemical blacking process, also known as black oxide treatment. This process involves coating the surface of the steel with a thin, durable layer of black oxide, typically iron oxide (Fe3O4). The treatment offers a matte black finish and provides several benefits:
- Corrosion Resistance: While stainless steel is already corrosion-resistant, the chemical blacking process can enhance this property, especially when combined with post-treatment oiling.
- Aesthetic Appearance: The black oxide finish gives the stainless steel a sleek, black appearance that is often desired for certain applications, such as in automotive, architectural, and industrial components.
- Reduced Light Reflection: The black finish reduces glare and reflection, which can be useful in optical equipment, military, or outdoor applications.
- Dimensional Stability: Since the coating is very thin, typically just a few microns, it does not affect the dimensions of the metal, making it suitable for precision components.
- Improved Wear Resistance: The black oxide layer can provide moderate protection against wear and friction, although it is not as durable as thicker coatings like anodizing or plating.
In summary, chemically blacked stainless steel combines the natural properties of stainless steel with enhanced corrosion resistance and a blackened surface finish.
In summary, chemically blacked Stainless Steel
What is the process of chemical blacking?
Preparation: The stainless steel is first thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, grease, or contaminants. This is important because any residues can interfere with the blackening process.
Chemical Reaction: The cleaned stainless steel is immersed in a series of hot baths that usually include a solution of sodium hydroxide, nitrates, and nitrites. These chemicals react with the surface of the steel to form a black oxide layer (magnetite) on the surface. The process happens at temperatures of around 140–150°C (284–302°F).
Rinse and Seal: After the black oxide layer forms, the steel is rinsed to remove any excess chemicals. Often, the steel is then treated with oil or wax, which penetrates the porous oxide layer. This step enhances corrosion resistance and provides a protective seal on the surface.
What components can be chemically blacked?
Potentianlly any of the existing WDS stainless steel products can be chemically blacked, this includes our most resistant grade of 316 stainless steel. Please note a minimum order quantity may apply. Please contact our sales team for a quote or or chat to us on the live webchat.
How does chemically blacked stainless steel perform in saltwater environments vs other options?
Here at WDS we don’t believe in making bold statements without having the evidence to support our statements. WDS sent 4 batches of products to be rigorously tested.
We tested 40 steel fasteners, divided into four batches of 10.
- Batch 1 were a leading competitor offering blacked A1 Stainless Steel fasteners.
- Batch 2 were WDS INOX NOIR blacked 316 Stainless Steel fasteners.
- Batch 3 were WDS natural 316 INOX Stainless Steel.
- Batch 4 were WDS blacked mild Steel fasteners.
Tested by a professional independent third party the results are as follows:
This report details the results of a 240-hour neutral salt spray test conducted on four batches of steel fasteners. The test was done to assess corrosion resistance under specific conditions, following the ASTM B117-19 standard.
The Test Subjects:
Test example 1: A1 Stainless Steel (Leading competitors similar product)
Stainless steel fasteners with a PX6 chemical blacking finish. After 24 hours, 9 out of 10 samples showed red corrosion, and by 48 hours, all samples had corrosion. Corrosion increased over time.
Before
After
Test example 2: A4 Stainless Steel (WDS Components NEW INOX NOIR WDS 817 Thumb Screw)
Stainless steel fasteners with a PX6 chemical blacking finish. No corrosion was observed throughout the test.
Before
After
Test example 3: A4 Stainless Steel (WDS Components INOX 316 WDS 817 Thumb Screw)
Stainless steel fasteners with a natural turned finish. Corrosion started on 3 samples after 24 hours and progressively increased, affecting all samples by the end of the test.
Before
After
Test example 4: 220M07 Mild Steel (WDS Components WDS 521 Knurled locking screw Steel)
Mild steel fasteners with a Blackfast 181 chemical blacking finish. Corrosion was observed on all samples after 24 hours, with near total coverage by the end of the test.
Before
After
THE RESULT
Conclusion: Batches 1, 3, and 4 showed varying degrees of corrosion, while Batch 2 remained corrosion-free.
Batch 2 the INOX NOIR 316 Stainless Steel products form WDS Components remained corrosion-free at the end of these rigorous tests.
Results show the A4 (316) grade of Stainless Steel with a PX3 chemical blacking finish (WDS NEW INOX NOIR) remained unaffected by the exposure to salt water throughout the test making it ideal for almost any out-door application or chemically exposed environment.
What are the lead times?
Please be aware that the chemical blackening process may add 10 or more working days to the product's lead time if the blackened version of the component is not available in stock.
