Things to Know About Standard Mechanical Sheet Metal Finishes


Applying specialized and attractive finishes to the metal products which are already manufactured is not a new process for our generation. Manufactures and industrialist have been doing so for decades now by using various kinds of finishing processes to the metal products. But have you ever wondered why? It enhances the resistance of the metals against corrosion and much more.

However, with the passing time, these processes of applying sheet metal finishes evolve to help the manufacturers use it more efficiently and flawlessly. So, there are various types of metal sheet finishes that are applied to metal products to protect them from the environmental factor and much more.


Various Types of Metal Sheet Finishes

Here we have made a list of the standard mechanical sheet metal finishes with some brief notes which will help you understand everything about it easily-

1. Passivated Finishes- 

The process of removing the contaminants of iron and sulfuric acid on the surface of some kinds of metal alloys by a liquid bath of citric and/or nitric chemical is called as passivated finishes. This process of stripping away the contaminants gives a uniform layer on the exterior of the stainless steel of protective oxide film. This is a very effective way to improve the inherent corrosion resistance of metal products.

The first stage of preparing stainless steel for coating it with other products is usually passivated finishes.


2. Electropolishing- 

Just like passivation, this process also uses a similar kind of method for achieving nearly the same results. It also helps in enhancing the protective oxide layer of stainless steel materials.

In this kind of finishes, the material is dipped in a chemical bath, similar to what is done in the process of passivation techniques. The significant difference amongst both of them is that in this process, the chemical bath is linked with a DC power supply, which is effective for dissolving the exposed layer of metal. The result of electropolishing is a microscopically clean surface with enhanced chromium/nickel content.

3. Electroplate Finishes- 

This process usually is all about a solution of metal ions through which metal materials are passed in which the bonds between the metal ions and the metal surface is charged with the help of electricity. These kinds of finishes can alter the mechanical properties of the sheet metal depending on the metal used and type of coating used.


4. Electroless Plating Finishes- 

Just like electroplating; this process of finishes also adds a very thin layer of material on the outer surface of the material. However, the primary difference is that a chemical reaction is used to bond the two materials rather than the use of electric current.

5. Case Hardening- 

This is a very common technique used in the manufacturing of products with steel, dating back hundreds of years. We all must have seen it somewhere as in this process; metal is heated, shaped, and then quickly cooled. This helps in enhancing the surface hardness while leaving the core pliable.

Most of the above-mentioned metal sheet finishes can be used to produce different results in different kinds of materials. Therefore, it is essential to review with someone who is experienced and have knowledge about these processes such as a mechanical engineer, before selecting any of the processes for your sheet metal finishing. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get your sheet metal finishes done from the best professionals now!

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