Four Common Surface Finishes
Surface treatments are one of the finishing methods used in material processing. Unlike machining or injection molding, surface finishes do not change the shape of the material itself, but they play a critical role in enhancing the material’s properties. This article explores the types and processes of common surface finishes.
Table of Contents
What is Surface Finish?
Surface finishes and surface treatments, as the term implies, are finishing processes applied to the outer surface of a material. For example, a resin or metal surface is painted or plated to prevent the rusting of sheet metal or to achieve a better product appearance.
These procedures include both additive processes, where additional substances are added to the surface of a material, and ablative processes, where a small portion of the material’s surface is removed.
Common Surface Finishes
Processes that Attach Material to the Surface
・Painting and Coating
Covering a material with a layer of paint protects it from corrosion. Paints with a wide range of colors make it possible to cover materials to improve their appearance. Paint can be applied to both metal and plastic surfaces.
You may have seen imprints, such as a manufacturer’s logo, on appliances. This is another type of coating. Painted products are used in a variety of applications, including car bodies, outdoor signs, and appliance housings.
There are two primary methods of painting: spray painting and electrocoating, which uses an electrolytic solution within the dissolved paint.
・Plating
Plating is the application of a thin layer of metal to the surface of a material. In the past, plating was only applied to metals, but advancements in technology have made it possible to plate resins as well. The main purpose is to prevent rust and corrosion, and to improve appearance. Plating is also commonly used as a finishing technique to cover the exterior of products using expensive and beautiful-looking metals such as gold.
In addition, many products, such as grates and screws, which appear to be entirely steel are actually galvanized or otherwise plated.
Known plating processes include hot-dip plating, which involves immersion in molten metal, chemical plating, which deposits ionic metal on the surface, and electroplating.
Processes that Remove a Small Portion of the Surface
・Polishing
Polishing is a process used to make surfaces smooth. This can be done not only by scraping the surface with brushes or abrasives, but also by using polishing chemicals that slightly dissolve the surface, or by electropolishing, which involves dissolving the surface using an electric current in a solution. Polishing removes impurities like oxides and foreign materials, reducing small surface imperfections. It also improves the surface’s appearance and makes it more resistant to friction when in contact with other parts. This finish is often used to create metal components with a mirror-like finish.
・Cleaning
Cleaning involves removing unwanted substances from a material’s surface. This can be done by washing with water or detergents, or by using other methods like barrel processing, which mixes the material with abrasives, blasting, which sprays it with metal or abrasive particles, and honing. The primary goal is to get rid of foreign materials and impurities, such as oxides. Barrel and blasting processes are also commonly used to remove burrs after machining. Additionally, parts that have been cut or machined often have coolant or lubricants on them, making cleaning necessary. Some metal parts with a texture known as “orange peel” may also be cleaned using blasting.
Conclusion
Many metal products we use commonplace in our daily lives have undergone some form of surface treatment. By examining the parts and products around you and considering what types of surface treatments they may have undergone, you can gain a deeper understanding of surface processing.
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