Corrosion Resistance: UltraOx vs Chrome Plating & Salt Bath

posted On Sunday, March 17, 2019 in Blog

Whether you're in the agriculture industry or automotive, corrosion and wear resistance is an important aspect to ensure you produce a quality product for your end user. But with so many different options, it can sometimes seem difficult to choose the right process and vendor. Below, we compare QPQ/salt bath and chrome plating to our trademarked UltraOx process. 

What is UltraOx?

UltraOx is an environmentally-friendly alternative to salt bath and chrome plating, used for corrosion and wear resistance. UltraOx also produces an aesthetic, uniform sleek black finish. 

Why UltraOx?

• The UltraOx process creates three protective layers (oxide, compound zone and diffusion zone) for superior corrosion and wear resistance vs chrome plating's one layer
• UltraOx can endure a salt spray test in excess of 240 hours
  (View pictures of UltraOx's performance after 300 hours of salt spray)
• Provides uniform coverage on all dimensions of a part, penetrating holes and bores
• UltraOx is an environmentally-friendly alternative; ammonia is burned off within the vessel
• No salt residue to clean post-processing

Why NOT Chrome Plating? 

• There are dimensional concerns with coating; poor penetration within holes and bores
• Chrome plating has high air emission rates which produce adverse health, safety and environmental risks
• As the chrome begins to build in thickness, micro-cracks form, allowing moisture penetration and rust
• Chrome hydride decomposition leaves microscopic voids

Why NOT QPQ/Salt Bath?

• QPQ/Salt baths can leave behind residue which results in post-processing cleaning and potentially more labor costs
• QPQ and salt baths are not environmentally-friendly and expose employees to chemicals and potential safety concerns
• QPQ and salt baths can sometimes have inconsistent finishes 

So, whether you're heat treating a firearm part or any other low to medium carbon steel, consider UltraOx to help you solve your corrosion, galling or wear needs. 

Request a free UltraOx sample or fill out the form below for a quote today!

1. corrosion resistance
2. firearms
3. ultraox®
4. wear resistance