The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Will any black oxide plate on alloy 145 (tellurium-copper)?

2007

Hi,
My name is Vu, I am a design engineer and unfortunately not a metal finishing expert. :) I am currently working for a medical device company. Recently we are planning to purchase some terrurium^^tellurium coppers but we have to postpone it because of the plating situation.

1. Will terrurium^^tellurium copper plate with any black oxide materials ?
2. Which black oxide material provides the best plating with terrurium^^tellurium copper ?
3. Which process Electroless or non-electroless will provide the best result and cost effective ?

Thank You Very Much
Vu

Vu Nguyen
Employee - Centennial, Colorado, USA

---

2007

First, I assume you mean tellurium copper. Several antique oriented suppliers listed in the various industry trade journals furnish a "so-called" "black oxide" for copper. These coatings have no integrity unless top coated with either an oil, wax, or lacquer. These coatings are used on lamp fixtures, door knobs, fire screens, etc - I cannot see them on medical instruments.

If you must have black, with corrosion prevention integrity, may I suggest a functional nickel plate topped off with "Black Chromium" - there are two on the market, one is entirely black, the other imparts some gold tones. You would have to contact the leaders in the chromium plating business, also listed in the trade journals.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina