ARCOR® an advanced surface treatment for firearms
Posted on Apr 18, 2025ARCOR® is an advanced surface treatment designed specifically to enhance firearm performance and durability. It represents the latest in liquid nitriding technology, building on the success of our established Liquid Ionic Nitrocarburising treatments TENIFER®, QPQ® & SURSULF®.
These nitriding treatments are renowned in both military and civil markets. Below we look at a few examples of the advantages these treatments give to firearm components.
Moving Parts
Moving parts such as slides and trigger parts greatly benefit from the tribological advantages of wear, scuffing and scratch resistance. Plus, reduced friction to minimize seizure.
Ammunition Resistance
Improved protection from corrosive ammunition improves the durability of parts such as barrels, suppressors and muzzle brakes.
A recent test with secret partner, showed an ARCOR® treated firearm will fire >10,000+ rounds with no adverse effects on the bore due to erosion.
Treatment Area
The ARCOR® process immerses parts into liquid salt. Therefore, all surfaces in contact with the liquid receive the same treatment. The inside of gun barrels and silencers receive the same performance benefits as the external surfaces. We can also polish bores if required.
Thin Wall Parts
The ARCOR® process is preformed at relatively low temperatures with a gentle heat profile. Making it ideal for parts with a small wall thickness such as magazines to control distortion and improve shock resistance.
Appearance & Corrosion Protection
ARCOR® is a stable and easy to control process that yields a uniform black aesthetic appearance, which is repeatable batch after batch. Furthermore, it offers greatly improved corrosion resistance.
Environmental Treatment
HEF are working towards a circular economy, already acting for the environment by reducing its impact on natural resources and recycling wastes.
Importantly, ARCOR® does not generate NOx, nor VOCs and has no end-of-life restrictions, allowing treated parts to be recycled.
Furthermore all consumables are REACH compliant. & all our raw materials are listed and have a REACH identification.
Also, none of our raw materials is listed in the SVHC list (CMR…).
Regarding regulations, our CLIN Technologies are developed to sustain international standards. Our commitment is to warranty the supply of viable and sustainable treatments for decades.
Commercial Consideration
ARCOR® would offer a commercial advantage over its nearest competitor in Carbonitriding + Black oxide. It would also be competitive with Gas nitrocarburizing.
Finally, here’s a summary of the advantages ARCOR® bring into the Firearms Industry.
- Wear, scuffing & scratch resistance.
- Surface hardness increase (600-1200 HV, depending on base material).
- Improve shock resistance.
- Reduced friction.
- Improved protection from corrosive ammunition.
- Treatment coverage-Internal & external surfaces.
- Controlled distortion.
- Corrosion protection.
- Uniform black aesthetic appearance.
- Polishing of gun barrel bores.
- Environmental process.
- Price competitive.
- History of providing military and civil markets with firearm components.
Please contact your local Techniques Surfaces company for more details.