real world environmental test and evaluation of hard blue

8/6/2019 Real World Environmental Test and Evaluation of Hard Blue

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/real-world-environmental-test-and-evaluation-of-hard-blue 1/6

“Real World” Environmental Test and Evaluation

SCOPE: In order to properly evaluate the performance of Superior Barrels “Hard Blue” process when exposed tosevere environmental conditions, we opted for a non-simulated “real world” test bed. Seeing as how most

firearms which are used in the field, our perception of the most demanding environment in which a

significant percentage of firearms (either military or civilian) might encounter was that of a salt air/water environment.

OVERVIEW:Samples were to be placed at a sea level location which provided for periodic immersion in salt/brackish

water as well as air exposure dependant upon natural tidal activity for an evaluation period of not less than

30 days!

SAMPLES:Five (5) test articles were provided by Superior Barrels. These test articles were all AR-15 A-2 type flash

hiders made of 41xx series steel. Three (3) were received with the standard mil-spec phosphate coating

and two (2) were received with SB’s proprietary “Hard Blue” coating.

Sample 1: It was determined that a “control” sample was needed to quantify the resultsfor samples tested, therefore one (1) of the standard mil-spec phosphate coated flash

hiders was blasted to bare finish with 120 grit alum oxide in a blast cabinet. This article

was subsequently thoroughly cleaned and degreased with denatured alcohol and bagged

to eliminate exposure to ambient conditions. NOTE: ALL samples were handled withlatex gloves and individually bagged to prevent any oils from one’s hands from tainting

the results!

Sample 2: This sample was retained in the “as-received” phosphate-coated condition

with only thorough cleaning and de-greasing as mentioned previously. This is the

identical “Mil-Spec” component that the majority of owners will find on their rifles!

Sample 3: This sample retained the standard phosphate coating base to which was

applied (after cleaning/degreasing) a coating of ½ the sample in KG Gun-Kote 2400

series bake-on finish in flat black and the other ½ in Duracoat DCx46 in coyote brown. In

order to avoid any performance impact to the coatings, the Gun-Kote half was appliedand baked to cure, then the Duracoat half was applied and cured at a mild 150 Fahrenheit

temperature. NOTE: NO clear coating was applied to either coating!

Sample 4: This sample was retained in the “as-received” hard blue-coatedcondition with only thorough cleaning and de-greasing as mentioned previously.

This would be the key test article as the intent was to measure the performance of

Hard Blue in severe environmental conditions when compared to other mediums

available.



Close up of samples in position

Wave approaches

Wave Crests

Wave recedes

TEST PERIOD: Not less than 30 days!

Actual test initiated on June 7, 2008 and terminated on July 12, 2008.

Total days of exposure = 35 days! (5 Weeks!!!)



RESULTS:Overview: Upon harvesting the test articles, each was again handled with latex gloves and individually

bagged for drying and inspection. The inspection techniques used to evaluate the performance of each

sample included standard visual inspection (SVI) techniques due to lack of available optical comparator equipment. Nonetheless these inspections were conducted by trained inspection personnel from the

Aerospace Industry and conforming to the ISO 8501-1 standards for grading and visual assessment of rust

grading.

Additionally an unbiased survey was conducted with dozens of persons allowed to rate their perception of

finish from best to worst overall appearance. This included a wide cross-section of the average populousto include every background from service industry personnel to highly trained aircraft technicians. Their

results were unanimous with the results to follow.

Sample 1: This sample (bare metal) exhibited significant

oxidation (rusting) to include mild to severe pitting of the

material composition. A heavily mottled red-brown surfacewas observed with no surfaces left unaffected by the

environmental exposure. This is classified as Rust Grade D.



Sample 2: This sample (Mil-Spec Phosphate coated)

also exhibited significant rusting to include mild pitting

of the material composition. A uniform mottled finishwas present with slight red-brown speckling of the

entire surface. Again, no areas were left unaffected by

the environmental exposure. This is classified as RustGrade C.

Sample 3: This sample (Gun-Kote/Duracoat over base

Phosphate coating) exhibited minor surface rusting with

only occasional areas of red-brown streaking being visible.

These were generally located in the openings of the flash

hider where the topical coatings are likely to have been attheir thinnest. The visible oxidation would easily clean up

with application of a scotch-brite abrasive pad. This isclassified as Rust Grade A.

Sample 4: This sample (Hard Blue coated) exhibited minor

to mild surface rusting with most of the accumulation of red-brown blotches located in the openings of the flash

hider where the topical coatings are likely to have been attheir thinnest. On the flat areas, much of the original finishwas maintained with only minor oxidation. Minor pitting

was discovered in a couple of the locations near the flash

hider openings. This is classified as Rust Grade B.

Sample 5: This sample (Gun-Kote/Duracoat over baseHard Blue coating) exhibited very minor surface rusting

with only occasional spots of red-brown streaking beingvisible. These were generally located in the openings of the

flash hider where the topical coatings are likely to have been at their thinnest. Additionally, this sample retained

virtually all of its Pre-Test finish. The visible oxidation

would easily clean up with application of a scotch-briteabrasive pad. This is classified as Rust Grade A.



INDEPENDENT SURVEY RESULTS:After allowing a broad spectrum of individuals to place the final test articles in order of appearance from

best to worst appearance, we found that ALL of those surveyed agreed unanimously! This is well over 50

individuals to date!!! Their results are as follows:

(Sample numbers presented in preferred order)

BEST →

WORST 5 - 3 - 4 - 2 - 1

CONCLUSIONS:While the initial intent of this evaluation was to determine the overall environmental performance of

Superior Barrels Hard Blue process in extreme environmental conditions, we should note to the reader

that this process is truly meant as an abrasive/wear resistance treatment that is intended to enhanceaccuracy and increase overall barrel life. For that, we have already seen that Hard Blue performs

superbly! However, in the “Real World” environmental application the Hard Blue process provided

adequate environmental resistance to harsh salt water/air environments. When compared to the Mil-Spec phosphate coating commonly used on the majority of firearms, the Hard Blue process well exceeded that

performance so it use will surely enhance the survivability of a firearm in a harsh condition. Topicaltreatments such as Gun-Kote/Duracoat over standard phosphate finishes further displayed exceptional

resistance to oxidation when exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The most outstandingresistance to environmental conditions was observed when topical treatments such as Gun-Kote/Duracoat

were applied over the Hard Blue treatment. This provided the ULTIMATE in internal & external surface

protection!

For this reason, we would have to recommend to anyone who might have the propensity to toss their

prized combat weapon in the ocean, that a Superior Barrel’s Hard Blue barrel with a complete Gun-Kote/Duracoat finish (please do not forget to treat the internal components of the receiver as well!) is the

surest way to ensure that come hell, or high water (especially high water!) that your equipment will not

fail you! Granted we know that most folks would never treat their firearm this way, but isn’t it nice toknow that you could?

Devin Stargel

Armor-Hyde Technologies

Special thanks to:Superior Barrels for their test articles and willingness to scrutinize their product.

Mobile Aerospace/UPS Airline Personnel & Mobile area residents for their assistance in evaluating the

samples.KG Gun-Kote & Duracoat.

My assistant- Kristen Adkins.

real world environmental test and evaluation of hard blue

Documents