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What are nut splitters coated with?

What are nut splitters coated with?

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Nut splitters can have a black oxide or chrome plated finish. Nut splitters are coated with either chrome plating or a black oxide, sometimes called industrial black finish. Different parts of the the nut splitter may have different coatings.
Sprue cutters are coated with black oxide to help prevent them from corroding. It’s important that a nut splitter doesn’t corrode as when this happens rust forms on the surface of the steel. As rust is far weaker than the steel on which it forms, this could reduce the strength of the nut splitter and prevent it from being able to cut into and split the nut.

What is black oxide?

Black oxide Black oxide is a form of corrosion protection used on many steel tools that has many trade names. Unlike chrome plating, which only bonds to the surface and does not chemically react, black oxide is a coating formed due to a chemical reaction with the iron in the metal to produce a protective surface of magnetite (Fe3O4).

Why is black oxide used?

Black oxide used on chisel and screw of a nut splitter to give better wear resistance. Although black oxide is a slightly less effective form of corrosion protection than chrome plating, it is formed by a chemical reaction that makes it less likely to be chipped or worn off. This is why the parts of a nut splitter that will experience more wear, such as the chisel and screw head, will often be the only ones coated with black oxide.

How is black oxide applied?

Parts are first dipped in an alkaline bath to clean them of any surface grease or contaminates. Black oxide is applied by dipping the parts to be coated in a series of bath solutions. This starts with an alkaline cleaner which cleans the surface of any impurities or dirt. The parts are then placed in a water bath to wash off any remaining alkaline solution.
Dipping in blackening solution of caustic soda The next bath is in caustic soda (blackening compound) heated to 140.5°C. This bonds chemically to the surface of the part and forms a porous base layer. A second water bath is then used to rinse off the caustic soda before the final sealing bath.
Dipping in the oil sealant bath seals the pores of the parts with oil to prevent corrosion The sealant is usually an oil or wax. It fills pores formed during the caustic soda bath and it is this that provides the corrosion resistance to the black oxide surface finish.

What is chrome plating?

Chrome plating is a less expensive form of corrosion protection. Chrome plating is a form of corrosion protection used on many tools. It is available in two forms: standard (shiny) and matt, sometimes called satin. Chrome plating provides a better level of corrosion protection than black oxide and is less expensive to apply.
Chrome plating is often only used on a nut splitters frame and handle. However, chrome plating doesn’t chemically bond to the metal like black oxide, meaning it can be chipped off and it does not offer the same level of wear resistance. This is why chrome plating will often only be used on the frame and handle of a nut splitter as these parts experience less wear.

How is chrome plating applied?

Degreaser is used to remove the chemicals that were used to clean the surface of the parts. The first stages in the chrome plating process are cleaning processes that buff the surface of the parts, followed by chemical cleaning with acid that removes surface blemishes. After this, the parts are rinsed with a degreaser and dried to remove any remaining acid.
Chromium trioxide and sulphuric acid are used to apply the chrome plating. The parts are now ready to be placed in a chrome bath which contains chromium trioxide (CrO3) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4), and have an electrical current passed through them. By altering the ratio of chromium trioxide to sulphuric acid, the temperature and the amount of electrical current passed through the solution, it is possible to alter the finish of the chrome plating on the part.
Parts are rinsed and spun dry. The parts are then rinsed to remove any remaining chromium trioxide and sulphuric acid,  before being placed in a centrifuge and spun to dry them.

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