The Microlok AO finish from Birchwood Technologies is a functional coating for iron and steel components. It provides anti-galling protection to aid in assembly and startup along with temperature stability up to 1400°F for high heat applications.

The patented Microlok AO coating is a non-toxic aluminum oxide conversion coating that is 0.000060 inches (1.5 microns) thick, silver/gray in color, and tightly adherent to the metal surface.

When compared to room temperature blackening, the Microlok AO coating exhibits better corrosion resistance and operates at half the cost, without undesirable pollution hazards. It is safe to apply at a temperature of 120-140° F with no boiling or splattering, no scale or sludge buildup in tanks and simple bath maintenance requiring only pH monitoring.

As a functional coating, Microlok AO is a suitable finish for brakes, clutches, roller bearing races, assemblies with sliding components including tooling and machine components. It applies easily to small and large components including oil and gas drilling equipment.

The Microlok AO process is safe and easy to operate and avoids the use of EPA regulated chemicals (cold blackening uses toxic copper & selenium – both tightly regulated). Also important, the Microlok AO process rinse waters are generally sewerable as non-hazardous discharge and require no waste treatment.

Finishers with existing lines can easily convert to the Microlok AO process. There are no technical or costly conversion challenges switching from an existing cold process using existing tank facilities. Also, new tank lines for Microlok AO are available in any size from Birchwood Technologies at modest cost, ranging from small-scale manually operated lines to large volume CNC operated systems.