Metal Finishing
Finishing processes are done by approved vendors and suppliers only, GTA does not do these processes in-house Find out more about our Services
Appearance
To improve the appearance of the metal, a number of finishing techniques can be used, Anodizing, Silk screening, E-coating, powder coating and plating, Benefit to these processes are, clean and smooth surface, glossy, or matte and give metals to a decorative finish,
Easy Cleanup
Metal Finishing provides ease of cleaning. Contamination and adhesion are reduced due to the incredible smoothness of the metal surface. Most non stick pans are anodized.
Enhanced Resistance
Metal finishing makes metal more durable, prevents rust, wear and resistance to abrasion. Metal finishing also increases longevity of the product
Finishing Process
Here is the List of most commonly used finishing processes:
- Anodizing
- Alodine
- Chrome Plating
- CVD and PVD Plating
- Galvanizing
- Oxidize
- Nickel Plating
- Zinc Plating
Anodizing
Anodizing is an electrochemical process, it adds thin layer of anodic (oxide) to metal, it can increase wear , tear and corrosion resistance of the metal, Anodizing can be dyed with lot of colors. Mostly this process is used on Aluminum.
Alodine
Alodine is a trademark name, Alodine is chemical conversion film used on aluminum to protect from corrosion, Alodine coating turns aluminum into light yellow color, Alodine is also known as chemical conversion coating, Alodine Film is very thin and does not change part dimension.
Chrome Plating
Chrome plating is actually comes from Chromium material, Chromium is not useful as a solid material, There are two kind of chrome plating, Hard chrome plating and Nickel chrome plating.
Hard chrome plating is thicker coating and used for wear resistance, lubricity, oil retention, and other wear purposes. Nickel chrome plating is provides smooth and reflective surface, this plating is very thin compare to hard chroming plating.
CVD and PVD Coating
PVD coating stands for physical vapor deposition and CVD coating stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition, Both processes generate very thin layer of material of desired thickness, PVD and CVD are mostly used in the generation of semiconductors where very thin layers of n-type and p-type materials are used to create the required structural junctions. These coating are very durable, heat resistant and greater resistance to corrosion. Most commonly used in automotive, cutting tools,fire arms,dies and molds.
Galvanizing
Steel parts dipped in molten Zinc process called Galvanizing, this process provides a distinct advantage over other corrosion protection methods. This process of zinc usage started around 79AD. Galvanizing coating protects metal from corrosion. Most commonly used applications are – Building frames, Fences, ladders, street furniture, support beams, handrails
Oxidize
Black oxide is a conversion coating produced by a chemical reaction, Black oxide is cheaper solutions than chemical conversions. Oxide is very thin coating, does not change the dimensions of the part, Black oxide adds a layer of corrosion,abrasion resistance and improves lubrication. Oxide will not chip, flake or peel off. Most commonly used on bolts, nuts, drills, Pulleys etc.
Nickel Plating
Nickel plating also known as nickel electroplating has lot of benefits, Nickel plating is the process of electroplating depositing a layer of nickel onto a substrate.This process uses chemical nickel plating baths, Nickel coating has low friction, exceptional wear, good corrosion resistance, improved hardness.
Zinc Plating
Zinc forms a bond with the steel parts, Zinc and galvanizing both coating use zinc. Zinc coating looks shiny and galvanized coating is dull looking, Zinc plating is around 3 microns thick and galvanizing plating is 50 microns thick, Zinc plating mostly used on nuts,bolts, fabricated parts, metal stamping, Rapid machining quotes
