For those who prefer the blacked out look, I thought you may find this interesting.

Recently read an article in the May/June issue of Iron Works about a process known as Physical Vapor Deposition. According to the article, it applies a finish into (not onto) the metal. The layer is incredibly thin (.00002") and durable and is well suited to be used on fork tubes and other applications where a thick layer would prove to be impractical.

If it works, it might be a great option for those who prefer the blacked out look. Also comes in other color coatings; gold, copper and maybe others.

The company web site for a company using this process is: http://www.lifetimecoatings.com/index.html

I have no affiliation with them and don't know anymore than what little I read in the article and on their site, but it seems pretty cool, especially for those who are going for that look.

Anyone familiar with or used this this process?

 

looks like this could open a lot of doors that weren't possible before... wonder what kind of cost is involved

 

That's exactly what I was thinking.

No idea as to the cost. (My front end is chrome and I'm probably not going to black it out so I never inquired what the cost would be).

 

Yes I am.... Most of your high-end colored faucets from Moen are coated using this process... It's been around for a while.

 

Speaking as a former watchmaker it is a very popular finish on some high end sport watches and it is a very durable and attractive finish.

 

It might not be too bad if you have chromed parts already, but add the cost of chroming to the cost of the PVD coating it could get expensive.

 

According to the FAQ on their site, you don't need to chrome first. Can go directly onto stainless steel.

 

Very interersting... thanks for the info. I wonder how the cost compares to powdercoating.

 

Hey Big Daddy,

A customer called us, here at Lifetime Coatings, after seeing your thread about our PVD process for fork tubes. Thank you.

You had asked if anyone is familiar with the process, so I thought I would make myself available for questions.

For starters, here are the primary benefits of the PVD process:

· Extreme resistance to heat, tarnishing, corroding and scratching
· 3X harder than chrome
· Passes 2,000 hour salt spray
· No effect on product dims / tolerances
· Great chemical inertness
· Low coefficient of friction
· UV stable (no fading or discoloration over time)
· Low maintenance (no polishing or waxing required!)


With regard to fork tubes: when the forces of riding are applied to these tubes their tendency is to bind together causing static friction or "stiction".
Our nitride coatings (produced through the PVD process) have lower friction than plain chromed forks, which helps reduce the stiction making the suspension more "fluid" in its operation.

Sincerely,
Launa
launa@lifetimecoatings.com

 

I see people are asking the obvious question...HOW MUCH??!!

Lifetime Coatings charges $65.00 each to coat tubes in our Black Ti. They do need to come to us in either chrome OR stainless steel.

Sincerely,
Launa