Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

[WxWatcher]

I've been pricing parts for a build in 5.56, and saw in the group buy section an offering for Mega's billet set with nickel boron coating. I was just hoping to get some thoughts on the NB coating from those who have used a product with it. Mostly interested if there's any big advantages to it, or if it's mostly just a hype thing and I'd be fine with a receiver set from Mega or Seekins without NB. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

[Ballista One]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

An NB coating is a waste of your money. There is no empirical data to back up any claims of superior performance over anodized receivers.

 

[Raptorx]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

I agree with the above. I've owned them and I was not impressed. I really only bought it cause I liked the color, I wasn't expecting a performance increase in any way. I found it to be less durable then anodizing, and prone to darkening over time. You also have to watch your cleaning solvents some do not play nice with nickle.

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

I was talked out of nickel boron by one of the most regarded AR308 builders due to durablity issues. I like the looks and ease of cleaning, but I prefer the durability of anodizing and Cerakote.

 

[macthknife]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

I'm pretty sure if You wanted to paint or Cerekote Your rig, it wouldn't stick.

 

[Turk]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

This company does both and by reading one would conclude that NB is superior to Hardcoat Anodization and doesn't chip or peel like cerakote can. Sorry but cerakote is fancy rattlecan header paint that comes in different colors.

http://www.techmetals.com/engineeredcoatings.aspx

 

[KillShot]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This company does both and by reading one would conclude that NB is superior to Hardcoat Anodization and doesn't chip or peel like cerakote can. <span style="font-weight: bold">Sorry but cerakote is fancy rattlecan header paint that comes in different colors.</span>

http://www.techmetals.com/engineeredcoatings.aspx</div></div>

That is my thought on Cerakote as well.

I've never had any experience with nickel boron but I would definitely have the bolt carrier group coated in the NP3 from Robar Coatings out of Arizona. The POF BCG is coated in the same stuff and cleaning after a day at the range is as easy as wiping it off with a rag; no scrubbing or anything.

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This company does both and by reading one would conclude that NB is superior to Hardcoat Anodization and doesn't chip or peel like cerakote can. Sorry but cerakote is fancy rattlecan header paint that comes in different colors.

http://www.techmetals.com/engineeredcoatings.aspx </div></div>

What you are failing to realize is NB can't be applied over anodizing, so if you apply it to an aluminum AR receiver it won't have the surface hardening benefits that anodizing provides. NB is good shit, but is better suited for steel and not soft aluminum. Cerakote might be fancy header paint, but it sticks well and ads color to an ordinarily black receiver.

And fwiw, the company that advised me to go with anodized over NB uses Robar.

 

[10ringping]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

All I own that is coated is my fail zero bolt. Love it. So easy to clean. Never need lube.

 

[Turk]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBlue&Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This company does both and by reading one would conclude that NB is superior to Hardcoat Anodization and doesn't chip or peel like cerakote can. Sorry but cerakote is fancy rattlecan header paint that comes in different colors.

http://www.techmetals.com/engineeredcoatings.aspx </div></div>

What you are failing to realize is NB can't be applied over anodizing, so if you apply it to an aluminum AR receiver it won't have the surface hardening benefits that anodizing provides. NB is good shit, but is better suited for steel and not soft aluminum. Cerakote might be fancy header paint, but it sticks well and ads color to an ordinarily black receiver.

And fwiw, the company that advised me to go with anodized over NB uses Robar. </div></div>
So you are stating that NB doesn't harden the surface to the extent of anodization? Fail to realize?? Hmm!

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBlue&Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This company does both and by reading one would conclude that NB is superior to Hardcoat Anodization and doesn't chip or peel like cerakote can. Sorry but cerakote is fancy rattlecan header paint that comes in different colors.

http://www.techmetals.com/engineeredcoatings.aspx </div></div>

What you are failing to realize is NB can't be applied over anodizing, so if you apply it to an aluminum AR receiver it won't have the surface hardening benefits that anodizing provides. NB is good shit, but is better suited for steel and not soft aluminum. Cerakote might be fancy header paint, but it sticks well and ads color to an ordinarily black receiver.

And fwiw, the company that advised me to go with anodized over NB uses Robar. </div></div>
So you are stating that NB doesn't harden the surface to the extent of anodization? Fail to realize?? Hmm! </div></div>

Exactly. NB has a Rockwell hardness of 35-51, whereas a Type III anodizing has a rockwell hardness of 65-70, nearly as tough as a diamond.........approximately 37% harder than the NB.

 

[WxWatcher]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Seems I'll go with anodized receivers and put the money it would've cost for NB towards other parts.

 

[Turk]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBlue&Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBlue&Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This company does both and by reading one would conclude that NB is superior to Hardcoat Anodization and doesn't chip or peel like cerakote can. Sorry but cerakote is fancy rattlecan header paint that comes in different colors.

http://www.techmetals.com/engineeredcoatings.aspx </div></div>

What you are failing to realize is NB can't be applied over anodizing, so if you apply it to an aluminum AR receiver it won't have the surface hardening benefits that anodizing provides. NB is good shit, but is better suited for steel and not soft aluminum. Cerakote might be fancy header paint, but it sticks well and ads color to an ordinarily black receiver.

And fwiw, the company that advised me to go with anodized over NB uses Robar. </div></div>
So you are stating that NB doesn't harden the surface to the extent of anodization? Fail to realize?? Hmm! </div></div>

Exactly. NB has a Rockwell hardness of 35-51, whereas a Type III anodizing has a rockwell hardness of 65-70, nearly as tough as a diamond.........approximately 37% harder than the NB. </div></div>
I don't know how to put this other then you are flat out <span style="color: #FF0000">Wrong</span>; perhaps you are confusing it w/ NP3? Feel free to read: http://www.techmetals.com/EngineeredFinishes/New_Folder/TM133.pdf

 

[BOL556]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

I have a Fail Zero BCG and like it a lot. Perks a lil easier to clean and I have noticed that the bottom part of the main group is not showing any wear when compared to a normal bolt group. For the money though I am going with a Young manufacturing NM BCG. If you should go with the Fail Zero or anything like it make sure you get the M16 full auto BCG and not the normal semi auto. You also have to consider FZ BCG's are also being used by POF and Spikes tactical. Overall its up to you.

 

[BIPMaster]

Re: Nickel Boron receivers....pros? cons? thoughts?

It looks cool, but IMO is not necessary on a receiver unless you just like the different color.