Can tenifer/melonite be applied to titanium?

[Jeff S.]

As the title states, I'm curious if tenifer (or any of its corresponding trade names) can be applied to titanium, specifically a titanium 1911 frame.

If yes, who does such work?


Thanks

[TimWarner]

tenifer is not a finish, it's a treatment process that case hardens metal. Similiar to heat treating. I'm not sure if the process would even work on titanium.

[Jeff S.]

Originally posted by TimWarner
tenifer is not a finish, it's a treatment process that case hardens metal. Similiar to heat treating. I'm not sure if the process would even work on titanium.


I'm aware of this, and that's why I'm hoping it can be applied to titanium. Perhaps a more accurate phrase would be, "I'm hoping titanium can go through the tenifer process."

Titanium is harder than aluminum, but softer than steel. To my understanding, titanium doesn't play nice with other metals. I'm having a titanium framed 1911 built for me soon, and galling is a concern of mine. Galling shouldn't be a problem, but there has been a few cases of titanium (rails) embedding into the steel slide.

I was thinking that if I could have my Ti frame go through the tenifer process that it would harden the metal. Ti doesn't rust easily, so I don't want tenifer for the rust-resistant properties, but for the hardening properties.

Ideas?

[tangodown]

Check with Robar for the NP3 plating, basicly a hardchrome with teflon in it (very simplistic explanation not intended to be 100% accurate).

Galling on stainless frames and slides is nonexistant. I run a little bit of lube on the gun for competitions or practice but I carry it dry with no problems. I have a 1911 with over 70,000 through it and the NP3 is still there and slick as ever. Also cleanup is a breeze, I use a paper towel and q-tips with no solvents to clean everything but the barrel (no applied in barrels). I also coat all of my bolt actions and never use any lube at all, keeps everything much cleaner in the if there is nothing to attract and hold dust.

[Jeff S.]

Actually, I'm already considering Robar.

NP3 cannot, however, be applied to titanium (I asked the folks at Robar). They can apply their Roguard to Ti, which is simply another poly finish. Roguard is pretty good stuff. It isn't as hard as NP3 because it doesn't have nickel in it, so it's not going to be as durable.

If I had Robar put Roguard on my frame, and NP3 my slide and all small parts it would definitely increase slickness and help all the parts get along. Even if the Roguard eventually wore away, the underlying metal (Ti) would at least be in contact with NP3.

[elsolo]

No, you cannot Melonite titanium.

[Jeff S.]

Originally posted by elsolo
No, you cannot Melonite titanium.


Rats! Thank Solo for the answer.

I ought to be fine with Robar.

[MercutioATC]

"Tennifer" is a Glock proprietary process...I don't think you can get it done anyplace else.

However, titanium CAN be treated with a liquid nitriding process (which is what "tennifer" is).

[elsolo]

Originally posted by MercutioATC
"Tennifer" is a Glock proprietary process...I don't think you can get it done anyplace else.

However, titanium CAN be treated with a liquid nitriding process (which is what "tennifer" is).

Tenifer is NOT a glock proprietary process, Glock had absolutely nothing to do with it's development. It is used on a variety of industrial parts around the world: gears, valves, cylinders, etc. The process and name is currently owned by Durferrit, a division of HEF; and licensed to many companies that use the process.

What companies do "salt bath ferritic nirocarburization" (what tenifer is) to titanium?

[MercutioATC]

Originally posted by elsolo
Tenifer is NOT a glock proprietary process, Glock had absolutely nothing to do with it's development. It is used on a variety of industrial parts around the world: gears, valves, cylinders, etc. The process and name is currently owned by Durferrit, a division of HEF; and licensed to many companies that use the process.

What companies do "salt bath ferritic nirocarburization" (what tenifer is) to titanium?

You are correct. I was under the impression that it was a Glock proprietary process, but it's not.



(obviously, nobody can do "salt bath ferritic nitrocarburization" to titanium...but titanium CAN be plasma-nitrided)

http://www.poeton.co.uk/w1/space/review.htm

[elsolo]

True, it can be plasma-nitrided; but that is an entirely different process imparting different characteristics than Melonite/Tenifer.

It will also be YELLOW instead of BLACK.
http://files.bnpmedia.com/IH/2005/08/Files/Images/133016.jpg

[MercutioATC]

I was approaching it more from the "can titanium be treated to be more durable" angle...you're right, plasma nitriding isn't the same as tennifer, but it does add durability.

[Jeff S.]

Originally posted by MercutioATC
I was approaching it more from the "can titanium be treated to be more durable" angle...you're right, plasma nitriding isn't the same as tennifer, but it does add durability.


Will anybody do such a treatment to firearms?

[MercutioATC]

Originally posted by Jeff S.
Will anybody do such a treatment to firearms?

Dunno. There's probably a smallish shop someplace that'd be willing to do it, but I don't have any names...