There is a wide variety of metal and other surface finishing processes available including plating, deburring, brushing, polishing, powder coating and more. Some form of metal finishing can be found in almost every manufacturing industry today. But how do you decide which method is the best for your needs? Consider each option, its pros and cons, as well as the cost effectiveness to determine the right match for your small or large components.
Plated or Coated Metals
Metal finishing is the term used when another metal is applied in a thin coating to your components. The purpose is to provide an improved aesthetic through a high shine, tarnish resistance, electrical conductivity or electrical resistance, as well as increased durability. There is no limit to the type of parts that can be coated; in fact, industries from firearm to aerospace, forestry to oil & gas have all made use of plated components at some time or another. The parts may be quite visible, as in the saw blades of a forestry service industry, or could be an internal mechanism such as the triggering component in a handgun. The bottom line is a coating is specifically applied to meet the needs of the specific product it is being used on.
Why had Chosen Surface Finishing?
In addition to the previously mentioned aesthetic improvements, as well as the chemical, corrosion and electrical resistances, finding a company that provides metal finishing full time is the best way to ensure your parts are handled correctly. Additionally, this can help save you costs in the long run since having a finishing machine on your property can add maintenance and operation costs to your overhead. Production speed is usually not hampered by using an outside finishing company either, as many are specifically able to handle both small and large batches on short notice and have them back to you in a reasonable amount of time. This allows you to continue the production process and get the finished product on its way to the consumer.
Different Metals Available
While there is a wide range of metals available, the most commonly handled are aluminum, copper, stainless steel, nickel, and titanium. Also, alloys can be found in various percentages to meet the needs of the client such as the medical industry that requires each part to meet or exceed strict guidelines for consumer safety and satisfaction.
