ltwguns.com

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.p ... opic=46597
Huge disscussion over here with contact information, pictures, and prices. Seems it is highly wear resistant but not highly corrosion resistant. It can be applied over hard chrome.

Im interested to hear more too. My next build I want done in a super hard black finish. Ryan at IonBond quoted me $300 for the Colt - it seemed a bit high. Melonite is another black finish I was considering, but the 1050 degree application temperature bothers me....seems those high temps would alter the fine tolerances of slide/frame and ignition parts?

Im not a metalurgist, so Im not sure about the application temps and affects on tolerances - how hot is IonBond applied at?

Im not a metalurgist, so Im not sure about the application temps and affects on tolerances - how hot is IonBond applied at?

Hi gj47,

Can you point me to anyone who's had corrosion problems with IonBond DLC? I read references to it being weak in the corrosion department, but can never seem to find anyone with first person experience. I'd like to know more about DLC's corrosion resistance.

I've had close to 20 pistols finished in DLC so far with no disappointments.

I was under the impression from "the internet talk" that who ever makes DLC had said it does this (wear resistant) well, but doesn't do this (rust resistant) as well as some other products. Is there a way to get some reliable info/tests from the maker/inventors of DLC to as to its qualities or deficiencies ?

I'm going to accelerate the corrosion process a bit. Not gonna say just how, it ain't fit to print.

I'm going to accelerate the corrosion process a bit. Not gonna say just how, it ain't fit to print.

John,

Here is some information to your questions about corrosion resistance. The 48 hour salt spray is what I was told by our Salesman Darrell Lewis. I have no solid evidence or documentation to back that up other than I haven’t received any feedback from customers on any rust problems, and I have done a lot of guns in the finish in the past year and a half. Hard chrome is the base layer of the coating, and while it is a thin layer, 1 to 2 microns, it is still there.
All I can definitely tell you is that this coating was developed for wear resistance and to reduce friction. Those are the two main purposes of the DLC coating and it does just that. Given the make up of the coating being hard chrome, tungsten Carbide, and diamond like carbon, all being very hard materials, which have a much slower oxidation period than stainless steels or carbon steels, it would take submission to almost constant tropical climates with no external care given, such as oiling, to see corrosion problems, and that’s an estimated guess. I haven’t done any personal testing of my own for corrosion on the coating. My personal opinion is if customers take care of their firearms like they're supposed to, then they wouldn’t have any corrosion issues any way. All it takes is a 30 second wipe down with a rag with a good oil in it maybe once a week.

This sounds of some concern to you and I completely understand, you want to give your customers the best products possible, and so do I. But the coating is what it is. If you want to do your own test, send me some scrap pieces and I will coat them for you at no charge and you can do your own testing, All I ask is that you keep me informed of your results and the steps and procedures of your test.

As always, if you have any questions feel free to let me know, its part of my job. You guys are my customers and I will do what’s needed to ensure you are satisfied, but I am not going to tell you something that isn’t the truth or sugar coat anything.

Thanks,

Ryan

I didn't know they hard chromed the guns first. That makes it even more desirable.

Hard chrome is the base layer of the coating, and while it is a thin layer, 1 to 2 microns, it is still there.