Metal Finishing Industry Information
Metal Finishing
Metal finishing is a process in which hidden surface abnormalities are
found and removed with tools until a flat and even surface is created.
Types of metal finishing include electroplating, electroless and
immersion plating, chemical and electrochemical conversion and other
exterior finishing techniques.
Metal finishing is a type of coating service. It is used to shape components, improve the bonding of adhesives and organic coatings of the substrate. The substrate is the object being coated. It is also used in order to enhance electrical properties. Metal finishing is used to improve the exterior appearance of the substrate. Metal finishing is used to alter the properties of the existing outer surface of metal objects in other ways including wear resistance, electrical resistance, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, hardness and more. Metal finishing holds similar properties to metal coatings, which is often a prior to finishing. Types of metal finishing include electroplating, electroless plating, immersion plating, chemical conversion, electrochemical conversion and some exterior finishing techniques. Tools utilized in metal finishing include sanders, grinder, files and die grinders. Metal finishing applications include automotive, aerospace, plumbing fixtures, door and decorative hardware, cookware, jewelry, tires, aluminum, stainless steel, zinc and brass.
Metal finishing is just one type of coating service. Paints, powders and plating are three different types of metal finishing. Coating is the process in which thin layers of different materials are applied to substrates. This process can manually or mechanically apply coating to metals, rubbers, ceramics or other materials, depending on the complexity and sophistication of the coating facility and application. Coating is meant to prevent corrosion and water damage to make the substrate more durable and cost-effective for the owner or operator. The coating process includes three basic steps: (1) solution and applicator preparation, (2) coating and (3) drying and solidification. When coating a substrate it is imperative to pick out the correct coating material, as certain substrates are only compatible with certain coatings. The first step includes testing, cleaning, deaerating and measuring the specific raw material to be coated. The final step usually involves heating and ventilation systems and heat transfer and defect mechanisms.