Metal Finishing: What You Need To Know About Popular Types
Businesses that are in the market to produce metal products will probably need to invest in metal finishing services in order to improve the appearance and durability of the items. However, due to the fact that there are numerous options available, it can often be a bit difficult to determine the process that is most suitable for your individual business needs. To help with the decision of the type of metal finishing that is most appropriate, here are three common processes as well as their uses and benefits.
Nickel Plating
Nickel is among the most durable metals, and this is why nickel is used as a primer prior to plating over some of the more precious metals such as gold and silver. This type of finishing process will harden the substrate surface or the surface that the metal finishing is placed on. Nickel plating will enhance the wear resistance of the product and protect the product against corrosion.
Electroless Plating
This particular metal finishing process utilizes a metal ion liquid bath in order to bind the finishing to a substrate, but this process doesn't require electricity. Instead, the metal ions and compounds within the liquid will form a response that forces the metal to stick to the surface of the product. As a general rule, this is a process that is utilized for nickel items. It can work well with conductive as well as non-conductive parts. Regardless of what the substrate's shape is, this plating process offers a finish with a consistent thickness.
Hard Chrome Plating
Due to the hardness of the chromium metal, this type of plating process is another option that has the ability to enhance wear resistance and prevent corrosion. The process consists of dissolved ions and a bath, but it requires electricity in order for the desired coating to be produced onto the metal substrate. The hard chrome plating process is great for parts or items that will be used in harsh environments or severe wear circumstances, like screws, mechanical components, and agriculture equipment.
If you are looking to manufacture parts and want to ensure that your metal parts are durable and reliable for your clients, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right metal finishing for these parts. Whether you choose nickel, electroless, chrome, or a different type of plating process, get in touch with a metal finishing company in your area to learn more about the process.
