6 Types Of Metal Finishing Processes

Giving a strong finish to metal components is the last step of the manufacturing process. Its primary objective is to provide environmental protection and better aesthetic qualities to the product. Metal finishing also reduces the roughness of surfaces to allow them to function well in desired operations or infrastructure. There are many different methods of metal finishing, usually covered under metal plating services by manufacturers.

There are many benefits of adding metal finishing treatments to your final products:

- Improved durability

- Better aesthetic appeal

- Improved electrical resistance

- Higher conductivity

- Improved tarnish resistance

- Improved chemical resistance

There’s no single way or right way to complete the metal finishing process. Let’s look at the most popular metal finishing services.

Types of Metal Finishing Techniques:

1. Metal plating:

Metal plating services comprise depositing a metal coating over objects by running a negative charge through them while placed in metal salts. When this charge passes through, the positive salt ions get pulled towards the negatively charged component. This forms a thin metal coat that is in adherence to the existing substrate. Metal plating is carried out via electroless plating or electroplating, where metals are immersed in a given metallic solution. There are many benefits of metal plating.

- Improved corrosion resistance

- Increased durability

- Better surface friction

- Improved product appearance

Unlike other methods such as buffing or grinding, plating does not aim to manipulate the surface of the product itself.

2. Plasma spray coating:

Plasma spray coating is a plating process commonly called thermal spraying. In this method, molten hot materials coat the surface of any given product at extremely high temperatures of up to 10000 K. The coating needs to be heated rapidly, applied at high speed, and then cooled at higher velocity. This is how a strong and hard coating is formed. Thermal spraying protects the workpiece from corrosion, high temperatures, wearing out and erosion. When done right, plasma spray coating changes the electrical properties and appearance of the final product.

3. Sandblasting:

Sandblasting carried out several functions in one unified process. Originally, sandblasting was used for removing debris, particles and dirt that accumulates on a product’s surface. Once the sandblasting process completes, there is no other step necessary. This helps save both costs and time. Additionally, sandblasting is as much as 75% faster than the other methods, which results in higher efficiency and productivity.

4. Brushed metal:

Brushing finishing as a process requires manufacturers to apply friction to the component to remove imperfections. At the same time, it creates a textured grain for a smoother exterior. Brushing is a process done using brushes with fine bristles or abrasive belts, which gives a non-reflective dull product surface. How and which abrasive you use helps in determining the configuration and direction of the grain. The product gets a unique look with this process, losing its lustre in the process.

5. Metal grinding:

Metal grinding is a finishing process used to remove rough edges, smooth welds, deburr, and produce distinct effects. Stationary and handheld grinding machines are the two common types of metal grinding. The concept behind grinding is to use friction, compression, or attrition for smoothing a rough metal surface. Different methods of grinding can create features, shapes, or sizes of varying final products. Some methods that are more commonly used are surface, centreless, cylindrical and electrochemical, among others. When you are planning to use grinding for your components, you need to decide which method you wish to use based on the raw material used and the application of the product.

6. Powder coating:

Discovered in the ’60s, powder coating is the name of a dry metal finishing process. Its many advantages attract businesses around the world, which include

- High durability

- Better quality

- Efficiency in production

- Environmental regulation compliance

In this process, manufacturers combine a polymer resin with levelling agents, flow modifiers, pigments and additives. These are then melted before mixing with a powder like baking flour. The powder is then applied to the metal piece’s substrate using electrostatic sprays. After this, the part goes into an oven to be cured. This method is versatile and can also be used for non-metal components made from various types of fiberboards and plastic. You can also use this process for removing deformities and defects.

Choose the right metal finish and plating services partner for the highest quality output.