Metal finishing is a vital part of metal manufacturing that affects more than just the visual appearance of the finished product. Often, it’s a critical step in the fabrication process that ensures reliable welds by removing contaminants and burrs. The right finish will also protect the metal components from harsh environments, prolonging the part’s life. A wide range of metal finishing services are available, and choosing the right finishing options is crucial to long-term reliability.
Important Considerations for Choosing the Right Metal Finishing Services
Before deciding on which finish to go with, there are a few things that need to be considered, such as:
Will the component require additional fabrication or finishing services?
When a part requires additional metal fabrication or specialized applications, the surface must be free from metal burrs and contaminants such as oils and dirt. Depending on the materials and manufacturing processes, metal parts are cleaned and prepped for the next step in the process using a variety of methods, including:
- Steam Cleaning – Uses steam to break down oil and particulates and removes them from the surface of the metal, leaving the part clean and ready for welding or additional finishing services.
- Abrasive Blasting – Uses abrasive media to remove surface contaminants and metal burrs and creates a rough texture for additional fabrication or finishing applications.
- Grinding– Uses high-speed grinding equipment to remove metal burrs and other defects, allowing for more reliable joints.
- Brushing – Adds a uniform surface texture for improved fabrication or as a final product finish.
- Polishing – Removes all surface imperfections and creates a smooth finish for additional fabrication or as a final product finish.
What environment will the parts perform in?
If the parts are used in a harsh environment, such as high humidity or near salt water, for example, they will need to be protected from corrosion to ensure long-term durability. Often, manufacturers will finish their parts with a protective coating, such as powder coating, which bonds to the metal surface and seals out harmful contaminants.
Will the component be visible after the final assembly?
End-user appeal may play a role in choosing metal finishing services. If the components are visible after assembly, it’s likely they are going to need additional metal finishing to help ensure an appealing product for the consumer. Powder coating is a popular choice for adding visible appeal to a product due to its ability to be customized to match the required color palate.
Does the assembly require high visibility, such as in certain safety regulations?
Throughout all industries, safety is paramount, and regulations are in place that require high visibility on certain parts and assemblies, such as railings, stairs, and cages. In these cases, additional finishing is essential for compliance with safety yellow commonly applied using paint or powder coating metal finishing services.
What is the budget for metal finishing services?
Some common metal finishing services are more economical than others. For example, metal plating produces beautifully finished products but costs more than powder coating and, as such, isn’t the best solution for all metal parts. And painting, though relatively cheaper in comparison, may not hold up to highly corrosive environments the way powder coating would, requiring higher maintenance costs.
Metal finishing experts, such as those at Starflex Fabrication, can help narrow down which metal finishing service is right for your particular requirements. To learn more, please contact Starflex Fabrication today.