Black Oxide
Utilized by Carr Lane Mfg. to give items a mild corrosion resistance it is also considered “non-dimensional” as it adds less than 0.0001” of thickness. A quick and simple process, with no toxic or hazardous by-products, virtually all steel items made by Carr Lane Mfg. receive this coating as the final step in the production process.
Passivation
This process uses a mild Acid, usually Citric Acid in Carr Lane Mfg. applications, to dissolve “free” Iron molecules on the surface of the item. These Iron particles are introduced to the stainless-steel through a variety of manufacturing processes including material handling, machining, storage, and transportation. Submerging the items in this Acid bath dissolves the Iron without damaging the Stainless Steel. The process can result in the Acid solution drying on the items, especially deep in the threads of an item, that have a similar appearance to corrosion but can be easily wiped off with a cloth. Please contact us to discuss your specific application or concerns regarding this process.
PVD
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) uses one of a variety of methods to vaporize a material and then adhere that vaporized material to the item being coated. This produces a thin coating that possess very special properties. The Carr Lane Mfg PVD Coating process produces a coating that is so hard it is difficult to measure! I the process also creates a coating that is incredibly uniform resulting in un-paralleled slipperiness and abrasion resistance. Please contact us to discuss your specific application or concerns regarding this process.
Zinc Plating
The Zinc plating process uses electrical currents to encourage ionic material, like Zinc, to deposit themselves onto the item by galvanic action. Zinc provides a very corrosion-resistance surface because unlike other coatings Zinc acts as a “sacrificial anode.” If the coating is damaged prior to corrosion forming on the substrate the zinc in the plating will corrode. Carr Lane Mfg uses both “Clear Chromate” and “Yellow Chromate” Zinc plating; the processes have little chemical difference, but do have a visual (color) difference. Zinc plating is REACH, Conflict Minerals, and EU Compliant.
Electroless Nickel Plating
Electroless Nickel Plating is an advanced surface finishing technique distinguished from conventional electroplating by its unique chemical approach. Unlike electroplating, which uses an electric current to deposit metal, electroless plating relies on a chemical reduction process known as chemical autocatalysis. In this method, a reducing agent like sodium hypophosphite triggers a reaction with nickel ions in the plating solution, creating a self-sustaining process for even and controlled nickel layer growth on the substrate.
What sets Electroless Nickel Plating apart is its exceptional consistency in depositing material onto complex shapes and surfaces. Unlike electroplating, which can result in uneven thickness on irregular shapes, electroless plating ensures uniform coverage, even in challenging areas like recesses and crevices.This precision extends to thickness control, critical for applications with tight tolerances in industries like aerospace, automotive, and precision instruments.
Furthermore, nickel plating enhances substrate material properties by increasing surface hardness and corrosion resistance, extending the lifespan of coated components. Electroless Nickel Plating's versatility makes it suitable for various substrate materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, and alloys, enabling its use across diverse industries.
Compliant with strict regulations, including REACH, Conflict Minerals, and EU Compliance, Electroless Nickel Plating ensures conformity with international hazardous substances restrictions.