Coating for Iron, Steel Provides Protection for High-Heat Applications

The Microlok MZN finish from Birchwood Technologies is a fine-grained zinc phosphate coating for iron and steel components that provides protection up to 1,400°F for high-heat applications such as pistons, rotors, calipers and machined components where break-in lubricity is critical.

The coating is a 20-min. process that requires five steps, which the company says makes it ideal for the in-house finishing needs of many machine shops and OEM manufacturers. It is safe to apply at temperatures ranging from 140° to 160°F with no boiling or splattering. Bath maintenance requires a simple procedure to monitor the concentration.

Birchwood Technologies says that when compared to room-temperature blackening, the Microlok MZN coating exhibits better corrosion resistance and operates at a lower cost. It is ideal for parts that do not require a dark black finish, but need robust corrosion protection. The finish complies with MIL-DTL-16232G, Type Z, Classes 1, 2 and 3.

Finishers with existing lines can easily convert to Microlok MZN, because there are no technical or costly conversion challenges when switching from an existing cold process using existing tank facilities, according to the company.

Tank lines for Microlok MZN are also available in many sizes, ranging from small-scale, manually-operated lines to large-volume, CNC-operated systems.