Steam Oxide Film Treatment|Rust Protection Without Chemicals for Precision Steel Parts

Steam Oxide Film Treatment|Rust Protection Without Chemicals for Precision Steel Parts
HOMO treatment forms a corrosion-resistant Fe₃O₄ layer using high-temperature steam—without chemicals or dimensional distortion. It's ideal for precision steel parts requiring clean, eco-friendly protection.

What is Steam Oxide Film Treatment (HOMO Treatment)?
Steam oxide film treatment, or HOMO (Hydrothermal Oxidation Metal Oxide), is a surface treatment process where saturated steam reacts with steel surfaces at 300–600°C to form a dense, stable magnetite (Fe₃O₄) layer.

Unlike plating or black oxide methods, HOMO does not involve chemicals, wastewater, or significant dimensional change. It's increasingly used in industries requiring environmental sustainability and tight tolerances.

How the Magnetite Layer Forms and Works
The Fe₃O₄ layer forms through oxidation when high-temperature steam contacts hot steel. Its characteristics include:
- Thickness: 1–2 microns
- Color: Black to dark gray with a semi-gloss finish
- Stability: Resistant to corrosion in air, humidity, and mildly acidic environments
- Durability: Adheres well and resists peeling better than traditional black oxide
Combined with anti-rust oil, it can endure outdoor storage and transport without degradation.

Advantages Over Other Surface Treatments
- No chemical waste: No need for wastewater treatment or post-wash
- Dimensional precision: Maintains original tolerances—ideal for machined parts
- Eco-friendly: Zero toxic discharge supports green manufacturing
- Stronger adhesion: More durable than black oxide, with less risk of peeling
- Lower total cost: Reduces post-processing and cleaning steps
Compared to zinc plating, HOMO does not provide sacrificial protection but is superior in film stability and appearance.

Process Conditions and Suitable Applications
Standard Processing Range:
- Temperature: 350–500°C
- Duration: 20–90 minutes
- Equipment: Pressurized or continuous steam furnaces

Compatible Materials:
- Carbon steel
- Alloy steel
- Sintered iron-based metals
(Not suitable for stainless steel or aluminum)

Common Applications:
- Precision components: Gears, shafts, and bearings
- Tooling: Mold bases, cutting tools, punches
- Automotive hardware: Brackets, fittings, exposed chassis parts
- Temporary protection: Steel parts in storage or shipping

Summary
HOMO treatment is a highly effective, clean, and dimensionally stable corrosion protection method for steel parts. By eliminating chemicals and preserving tolerances, it's ideal for industries demanding both environmental and performance excellence.

Company Information

DOWA THERMOTECH (THAILAND) CO., LTD.

Industry Classification

/ Transportation equipment

Main 3 Products

Heat treatment surface treatment (carbur / Quenching and tempering / Gas soft nitriding

Homepage URL

Display URL

DOWA THERMOTECH (THAILAND) CO., LTD. was established in 2007 as a member of the DOWA Group. Located in Rayong Province, Thailand, the company operates a factory spanning 5,148 square meters. As expert ...

CONTACT

Contact

This is the inquiry form for DOWA THERMOTECH (THAILAND) CO., LTD.. Please enter your inquiry details.

This service is intended for consulting on processing projects and requesting quotes.
Please do not use it for company PR or sales activities.
If we receive complaints about the content sent, we may take measures such as forcibly suspending usage.

Name*Required
Company Name*Required
Department
Position
Email Address*Required
Phone Number*Required
Inquiry Type*Required
Inquiry Content*Required
Attach File

Only files with extensions of images (jpeg, jpg, gif, png, pdf) and compressed files (zip, lzh) are valid. Maximum file size 10MB