Stayblack – Call 0121 236 2524

Meeting the demands of our industrial customers

E.C. Williams Ltd. has been supplying electroplating services for over 90 years and today we have a modern state of the art processing plant which is capable of providing a wide variety of electroplating services to meet the demands of our industrial customers.

Stayblack

We also supply Stayblack – a chemical conversion which modifies the passive oxide layer of the stainless steel leaving the coated steel matt black. The primary applications of this are for turned parts, small pressings and in particular for fasteners which need to retain a consistent and durable black appearance.

It is used more specifically in military applications where a black, matt, non-reflective surface is essential for stainless steel. Black steel coatings can be used for clips, aerials, latches and fixings – in fact, any stainless steel component that needs an alternative to the standard bright metallic appearance. Stayblack is specified for components in medical, optical and scientific equipment as well as for many varied aerospace applications.

Automotive applications include external and under bonnet fasteners as well as trim accessories. The IMDS reference number for this coating is 3130589.

Withstands atmospheric weathering

Stayblack withstands atmospheric weathering, hot water and temperatures up to 500°C without any change in appearance. The coating is less than 1µm thick and so will not alter any tolerance fits nor change the dimensions of the component to any significant amount. Stayblack does not affect the inherent corrosion resistance of the base stainless steel and will remain colour consistent longer than an untreated part.

It is a non-electrolytic process and so there is no possibility of hydrogen embrittlement. The surfaces can be deformed after treatment – for example, crimped or bent – and the coating will not flake, chip or peel. Stayblack can be delivered either dry to touch or with a range of lubricants.

Excellent consistency for all our finishes

With our in house laboratory and trained technicians we ensure that our solutions are analysed and operated within their optimum parameters to maintain excellent consistency for all our finishes.

We supply a wide range of electroplating services, including zinc nickel plating, to all sectors of industry including automotive, rail, power generation, power transmission, domestic and industrial appliances.

• Barrel and vat facilities
• Large and small batch sizes
• Consistent quality
• Competitive pricing
• Technical support and advice