Metal finishing is the process of applying a thin layer of material to a metal object to create a smooth and polished surface. This coating can be applied in a variety of ways, and the choice you make can affect the longevity and appearance of your object.
When processing custom metal parts, manufacturers usually would list several surface finishing options for you to choose. For different materials and parts using conditions, you should require a different surface finishing process. While choosing the right metal finishing option would be a challenge if you don’t know what finishing options are suitable for your metal parts.
What is Metal finishing?
Metal finishing is a manufacturing technique that applies a finish to metal to make it more durable and corrosion-resistant. It is also called surface hardening, nitriding, and brightening. The process can involve a chemical, physical or mechanical operation.
The metal finishing process was invented by the French metalsmith Henry de l’Epée in 1780. It was initially a costly process of painting metal with a thin layer of metal or alloy. But with the development of technology, you can access more different surface finishing options for different materials with a cheap price.
Surface finishing on metal parts
Metal finishing is a process applied to metals, such as iron, steel, or aluminum, to harden, brighten, and/or decorate them. It is also sometimes called heat treatment and is used to harden, brighten, or anneal the metal.
Manufacturers use a metal finishing process on a metal part or product to improve its appearance and make them more aesthetic. This process allows smoothing, brightening, or mirroring of the surface of metals and alloys by plating them with a thin layer of metal or alloy. In addition, it makes metal parts and products durable, extends their life span, and makes them corrosion resistant.
Which industries use the Metal Finishing process
Metal parts and products are an integral part of many industries. And when dealing with metal parts, you could use the metal finishing process to make products more durable and improve their exterior looks. Here are some of the industries that use the metal finishing process:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Medical
- Electronics
- Musical Instruments
- Consumer Products
- Kitchen and Bath
These sectors also use metal finishing techniques for additional benefits. It improves surface thickness, strength, and product durability, for example. Surface finishing can also improve corrosion or chemical resistance, electrical resistance, wear resistance, conductivity, surface hardness, torque tolerance, and adhesion.
Understanding the Best Finishing for your Metal Parts or Products
Metal finishing is the umbrella word for the final stage of metal part or product manufacturing. However, it is not a single process. At the prototype manufacturing stage, manufacturers could use various methods to complete this process to identify the ideal metal finishing choice for their metal parts, one that will best suit their intended purpose. Here’s a quick rundown of the common options:
Plating
This is the most common metal finishing process. The most common type is electroplating, and you can apply it to both metal and plastic products.
Metal Plating
Metal plating is a process used to coat metal objects with a protective layer of metal. It is used to make objects such as guns and coins look more valuable and old. The process involves placing a thin layer of metal onto a substrate, such as a watch or a coin. The process is usually performed in a chemical bath where the substrate is placed on a platform, and the chemical compound used is stirred to ensure an even coating.
Gold Plating
Gold plating is a process in which a metal is plated onto another metal in order to be more reflective. It is also used to add a distinct shine to an object. Manufacturers now provide high-performance, gold-look PVD coatings using an environmentally friendly PVD technique.
Electroless Nickel Plating
Electroless nickel plating is a method of plating metals using electroless nickel plating baths. Electroless nickel plating is activated by the exposure of a nickel-plated object to an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and a nickel salt.
This process depends upon the free nickel ions produced by dissolving free nickel sulfate in a solution of sodium sulfate and the free acid, which is produced by hydrolyzing the nickel salt. The free acid is consumed in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
Physical vapor deposition (PVD)
Physical vapor deposition (PVD) uses a combination of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) to deposit layers of material on a substrate. PVD uses a process called sputtering, in which a stream of argon gas is directed at a metal target. As a result, a high-temperature plasma is created, which ejects a stream of particles at the substrate.
PVD is a process used to deposit material on a substrate such as silicon nitride, silicon dioxide, or glass. It is used to produce a thin film on a substrate or to build nanostructures or structures that cannot be built with traditional lithography. This technology is being used in the semiconductor, display, solar cell, sensor, and memory industries.
Trivalent Chrome
Trivalent Chrome is an alloy of chrome and titanium used in a variety of industrial and consumer applications. It is a strong, lightweight metal with good corrosion resistance. It has a high melting point and is commonly used in the production of stainless steel, which makes everything from kitchen appliances to knives. Because of its resistance to corrosion, Trivalent Chrome is also commonly used in the production of coatings for food and beverage cans, which are then used to preserve the food inside the cans.
Conclusion
Certain criteria must be considered before deciding on the appropriate metal polishing technique. The first question is, “How would you like your part to be improved?” If you want to sharpen or improve the aesthetic of the product, you’ll probably go with a different alternative than if you want to improve its functionality.
Of course, the cost will be a consideration. Some processes are more expensive to carry out. They may, nonetheless, provide higher benefits to your parts. So, first, understand your requirements and then decide the appropriate process for your metal product or part finishing.
