Metal finishing is an integral part of the metal fabrication process; this final step prepares the metal for its desired use. It is designed to help the part be more durable and long-lasting and to improve its overall aesthetic. Most metals in their raw form are unsuitable for their designed use, which is where metal finishing comes in. It helps to prepare the part for its final application and ensures its suitability.
Why is it important?
Metal finishing is an important part of fabrication for many reasons, and each process has a different reason for its crucial role in sheet metal fabrication. For instance, coatings help prevent corrosion, rust, and wear and tear on the part. Helping to reduce exposure to scratches, air pollution, and chemicals which severely affect its performance over time. Other processes help to clean the part’s surface, providing a consistent finish. Finishes such as bead blasting not only clean the surface but can even harden the surface, creating a more durable part. Finishes such as mirror polished or brushed finish are designed to make the part more aesthetically pleasing by providing a more consistent and high-quality finish.
Different types of metal finishing process
A wide variety of metal finishing processes are available, including deburring, powder coating, sandblasting, electrochemical finish, brushed finish, dual-action orbital and mirror polish. We have outlined the key characteristics of our services below:
Deburring
Deburring smooths down edges and removes sharp burrs. This is an important step in the finishing process. Not only does this step make your part look more visually appealing, but it also ensures its durability, safety and reliability.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a more brutal hard finish than conventional paint and primarily to coat metals. It provides a durable, attractive, and even finish to metal surfaces. It is a low-maintenance, long-lasting, colourful covering for all types of fabrication work.
Bead Blasting and Sand Blasting
Bead blasting is shooting high-pressure glass, metal beads, or sand at metal parts. This cleans the part’s surface and provides a consistent finish. Bead blasting can even harden the surface of a component, enhancing its durability.
Electrochemical Finish
Electrochemical finishing is the art of applying paint electrostatically to metal surfaces. It creates a strong bond between the metal surface and the coating. The wraparound effect of the finish means that even hard-to-reach parts will be coated. Leaving your part with a high-quality, robust finish.
Brushed Finish
Brushed metal is created by polishing the surface of the metal with a fine bristle brush, belt, or wheel that moves in the same direction. This leaves a high-quality finish that looks aesthetically pleasing every time.
Dual Action Orbital Finish
Parts are polished using an orbital, irregular motion. This motion helps remove scratches and smooth the service without burning the surface; dual-action orbital polish creates a lovely, consistent finish.
Bright Polish / Mirror Polish
Mirror finishing is extremely high-quality, leaving your metal blemish and scratch-free with a highly reflective, bright polish result.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Finishing
Advantages
Safety
The fabrication process leaves behind rough surfaces and sharp edges. Metal finishing processes help to remove these, making the parts smoother and with a more consistent finish. This improves the safety of anyone handling the parts and prevents issues arising in machines that might become a health and safety hazard.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Even though there are various metal finishing services available, each one will leave the finished part with an improved appearance; whether that is just smoothing down and removing burrs or adding a textured powder-coated finish, your part is guaranteed to be finished to a high standard every time.
Improved Resistance
A finished part has been proven to last longer than an unfinished metal part. Finishing services improve the part’s resistance and longevity. When parts undergo finishing, they can increase their tolerance to chemical damage and abrasion, improving their overall longevity.
Easy Cleaning
Finished metal provides a smoother, more consistent finish that makes it easier to clean. This reduces the need for harsh chemicals in the cleaning process, decreasing the risk of wear to the metal, which helps to improve its durability.
Disadvantages
Cost
All metal finishing services incur a cost – which will increase the cost of the final product.
Lead Time
Some metal finishing processes can be lengthy, extending the parts’ lead time.
After Care
Some finishing processes, such as mirror polish, require extra care afterwards to maintain the same high-quality finish.
Conclusion
Metal finishing is an integral part of the metal fabrication process. Although choosing the right metal finishing process can be challenging, considering things such as budget, intended use, and the metal you require may help you decide what you need.
Sometimes, you need an expert to help you make the decision. That’s where D&M comes in. Our dedicated sales team is always on hand to help you make these decisions. If you want to know more about our metal finishing services and how they can help your next project, call us at 01765 522 222 or email sales@dmdesignfabrication.co.uk.