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The ONYX Series is Atlantis Rail’s RailSimple line of black cable railing and hardware, combining sleek style with unmatched performance. Each component is crafted from high-quality 316 stainless steel and treated using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). This cutting-edge process delivers superior durability and a rich, long-lasting black finish.
After extensive research, development, and testing, Atlantis Rail selected PVD coating over traditional black oxide due to its enhanced resistance to wear, corrosion, and fading, along with its refined appearance and overall value. The result is a modern black finish that stands up to the elements while maintaining the premium look and reliability you expect from Atlantis Rail Systems.
If you’re looking for high performance, low-maintenance, and long-lasting stainless steel cable railing fittings—PVD is the superior choice, especially in outdoor or architectural applications.
Visit the RailSimple page for more information about this cable railing system.
EXPOSURE TO HARSH COASTAL ENVIRONMENT
PVD VS. BLACK OXIDE
RailSimple ONYX Components
Visit the RailSimple page to learn about the stainless steel version of these components.
ONYX Series Hardware Strength & Durability
With Atlantis Rail Systems introducing their new ONYX Series black stainless steel tensioners and wire cable, there have been a lot of questions regarding the differences and durability of the processes available to render stainless steel black. Atlantis Rail utilizes the PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process. Black Oxide and PVD are two common surface coatings that produce a black finish and can enhance corrosion resistance. They differ significantly in durability, application method, cost, and corrosion protection.
QUICK SUMMARY
- PVD coatings are very hard which is ideal for wear, scratching, and long life.
- PVD is the most environmentally friendly process.
- Black Oxide MUST be sealed. Without a sealer, corrosion resistance is minimal and the coating washes off.
- Many vendors use alternate names (e.g., “anodic black finish” on stainless). Always ask for the actual process and wear/wash off expectations.
- Beware; ask what the warranty is before the black coating washes off and fades.
COMPARISON DETAILS
Here’s a practical, side-by-side comparison of three
black protective finishes brands are claiming to use
in their literature for their stainless-steel tensioners
and cable:
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
Black Oxide
Black Anodized (typically for aluminum—
not ideal for stainless)
What Each Process Is
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
- A vacuum deposition process that bonds a hard, thin film (e.g., nitrides, carbides) to the surface.
- Produces a very durable, black uniform finish with strong wear/corrosion resistance.
- No toxic chemicals, solvents, or heavy metals are used in this process. Produces virtually zero harmful byproducts or hazardous waste. This process is considered a “green” technology.
- Well-suited for stainless and many alloys.
Black Oxide
- A chemical conversion coating that reacts with the metal to form a thin black oxide layer.
- Process uses a chemical salt bath solution containing sodium hydroxide and nitrates, which are hazardous if not handled correctly. Requires strict wastewater treatment to manage contaminated fluids.
- Common on carbon steels; can be done on stainless with specific chemistries.
- Mostly cosmetic with mild corrosion protection unless sealed.
Black Anodized
- A controlled oxide growth process used for aluminum (and some titanium). Not ideal for stainless steel.
- Anodizing is an electrochemical process primarily for aluminum and titanium. Not ideal for stainless steel. Attempting to anodize steel can cause rust and damage the material.
- Creates a thicker, integral oxide layer that can be dyed black.
- Not a true option for stainless — any “black anodized stainless” claims usually refer to alternative coatings (e.g., electrochemical coloring or other surface coatings).
HOW THEY WORK
PVD
- Atoms of a coating material are vaporized in a vacuum and bond to the stainless surface.
- Produces coatings like chromium nitride, titanium nitride, zirconium nitride, etc., with excellent hardness and wear resistance.
- Can be tuned for gloss or matte look
Black Oxide
- Changes the metal surface chemically.
- Often requires post-sealant (oil/wax/anti-rust) for protection.
- Easy and inexpensive, but limited durability.
Black Anodized
- Works by thickening the natural oxide layer on aluminum.
- Cannot create the same layer on stainless steel; stainless doesn’t anodize.
- Alternatives marketed as “anodized” stainless are usually other coatings (electrochemical coloring, plating, or conversion processes), not true anodizing.
SUMMARY
✓ Best Overall for Stainless: PVD
- Durability: Excellent
- Wear & corrosion protection: Best
- Appearance: Superior and uniform
- Use cases: High-touch parts, tools, hardware, architectural finishes
Budget / Decorative Option: Black Oxide
- Works on stainless with specific processes
- Good enough for decorative parts or mild environments
- Needs sealing for corrosion resistance
Not Applicable: Black Anodized (for Stainless)
- True anodizing only applies to aluminum
- Claims of “anodized stainless” usually refer to other processes
COMPARISON OVERVIEW
ONYX INSTALLATION VIDEO
ONYX SERIES 5/32″ BLACK CABLE
THE ONYX SERIES is Atlantis Rail’s RailSimple line of black cable railing and hardware, combining sleek style with high-performance durability. During development, Atlantis Rail evaluated several finishing methods, including PVD coatings, and found that flexible cable applications require finish specifically engineered for strand movement, abrasion resistance, and long-term performance in environments where repeated flexing is expected.
To meet these demands, Atlantis Rail developed a specialized dual high-temperature conversion process designed specifically for dynamic-use applications. This process provides significant advantages over traditional coating methods, including improved flexibility performance and enhanced overall durability.
Manufactured from high-quality 316L stainless steel, ONYX cable features a thermally converted black finish that transforms the surface layer of the stainless steel itself for superior durability and long-term color stability. Unlike painted or coated finishes, the high-temperature conversion permanently alters the stainless steel surface using heat, making the black finish an integral part of the material rather than a surface-applied coating. The process is performed twice, allowing the conversion to penetrate deeper into the inner lay of the cable for enhanced consistency and performance throughout.
The ONYX Series is compatible with RailSimple and RailEasy™ Tensioners and Swivel Ends.
Visit the ONYX photo gallery for inspiration.
