Benefits of Metal Finishing Process

The functions of metal surface treatment can be summarized as follows:
– Improve the appearance

– Optimize grain structure
– Change the luster

– Improve physical properties
– Increase wear resistance
– Limit effects of corrosion
– Reduce friction
– Remove surface defects
– Cleaning the parts
– Serve as a primer coat

Metal Surface Finishing Services Available at RIGID

1. Anodizing (Anodized)

An electrolytic passivation process of forming a thin layer of metal oxide on the exterior of CNC machined parts to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer, protect the metal, add various colors, as well as improve corrosion and abrasion resistance. Aluminum is the most widely anodized material, and the advantages of anodized aluminum components are well known, but many other metals can undergo the process, such as stainless steel, copper, titanium, zinc, and magnesium.

2. Passivation

A common chemical surface treatment method mostly for steel and stainless steel, to use a light coat of protective material to create a shell for enhancing the corrosion resistance or reducing the chemical reactivity. Passivation of stainless steel removes free iron and ferrous contaminants on metal surface with an acid solution to prevent rust.

3. Plating (Electroplating)

The process of using an electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a thin coherent metal coating on an electrode, to change the properties of the metal surface or build up thickness for undersized parts. Chrome plating, nickel plating and more are often applied at RIGID.

4. Painting

The process of spraying paint, pigment, or color to a solid surface as a colored protective layer and can be done on metal or non-metal CNC machined components of any shapes, usually applied on aluminum, stainless steel and steel alloy parts. The purpose is to improve aesthetic appearance and prevent corrosion or oxidation.

5. Black Oxide (Hot Blackening)

The technique also known as blackening, or gun bluing, a chemical process of forming a black conversion coating on stainless steel, copper and copper-based alloys, zinc, powdered metals, silver solder, and ferrous materials, the black oxide coating can improve corrosion resistance and minimize light reflection.

6. Polishing

Polishing, also known as buffing, a process of rubbing the surface of parts or utilizing a chemical action to produce a smooth and shiny surface, make the surface get significant specular reflection or reduce diffuse reflection in some materials.

7. Powder Coating

The process of placing a functional and decorative finish, which is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder, employs electrostatically and then cured under heat, to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. The main applications including household appliances, aluminum extrusions, drum hardware, automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle parts.

8. Satin Finish

Apply a luster between the dull, non-shiny finish of matt materials and the bright and shiny finish of glossy finish. The visual effect is related to the lighting of the environment, satin metal finish is reflective, flat and glossy.

9. Abrasive blasting (Sandblasting)

The operation of propelling a stream of abrasive material composed of high-velocity sand-sizes particles against the metal surface under high pressure with blast equipment like air pressure system, to remove surface contaminants, clean metals or increase a texture, then change the smoothness or roughness of surface.

10. Conversion coating

It is also known as chromate conversion, the coating is used for metals converted to a protective layer through the chemical or electrochemical processes, primarily used as a corrosion inhibitor, decorative finish, or to retain electrical conductivity.