Surface Finishings on Metal Parts
Comments Off on Surface Finishings on Metal PartsFor a majority of metal fabrication jobs, the components are not complete until they receive finishing services. Surface finishings on metal parts play a critical role in how the material performs or how long the part is used.
Surface finishings serve multiple purposes, from enhancing the overall appearance and corrosion resistance to meeting industry standards or company requirements.
Finishings on metal parts that Tedco does in-house include deburring, a process that removes sharp edges, unwanted protrusions, or small imperfections called “burrs.” This step ensures safety, enhances aesthetics, and allows parts to fit together properly.
Tedco’s owner also uses a specialized machine to polish surfaces from semi-polished to mirrored.
Weld cleaning is also a surface finish that uses a specialized device to remove heat tint, oxidation, discoloration, and heat scale left behind after welding.
Common Outside Service Surface Finishings
Tedco has built decades-long relationships with local finishing vendors to give us the best pricing on the market for their services, with the best turnaround times. There are quite a few options for surface finishings provided by our vendors.
Anodizing
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. Aluminum is ideally suited to anodizing, although other nonferrous metals, such as magnesium and titanium, also can be anodized.
Powder Coating
The powder coating process is a dry finishing technique where a finely ground mixture of resin and pigment is electrostatically sprayed onto a grounded metal part. The part is then baked in an oven, melting the powder into a highly durable, continuous polymer coating that resists chipping and scratches.
Zinc and Nickel Plating
Plating is an electroplating process that deposits an alloy of roughly 12–16% nickel and 84–88% zinc onto a metal part. It serves as a sacrificial, highly corrosion-resistant coating. It replaces traditional zinc and environmentally hazardous cadmium in demanding automotive, aerospace, and defense applications.
Passivation
Passivation is a metal finishing process primarily used on stainless steel to enhance corrosion resistance. It involves a controlled acid treatment that removes surface contaminants and free iron. This allows a protective chromium oxide layer to form naturally. This passive layer protects the metal from rust and environmental damage.
Bead Blasting
Bead blasting is a surface finishing process that propels spherical media (like glass beads, ceramic, or metal) at high velocity using compressed air to clean or texture a part. It effectively removes burrs, rust, and surface imperfections while leaving a uniform, matte, or satin finish without altering the part’s dimensions.
The Right Finish
Selecting the correct surface finish depends on the type of material used, the performance requirements, aesthetic needs, and the environment. Choosing the wrong process could be a costly decision, and not all are created equal.
If the components will be exposed to harsh environments- moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures the surface finishing must be corrosion resistant. This protects the base and extends the life of the part. Processes like anodizing, plating, or powder coating are best.
In high-use or friction applications, the finish must improve resistance to wear and improve longevity. Industries that this would apply to include aerospace, defense, and industrial equipment.
If appearances matter just as much as functionality, the finish must reflect quality and attention to detail. Especially if the component is customer-facing, finishing is an important step.
How Tedco Supports the Necessary Surface Finishings
At Tedco, surface finishes are carefully selected from the beginning of the estimation process. This treats them as a critical step in the fabrication process. Choosing the best fit from the start and working with vendors we have trusted for decades ensures consistency during production. Components are quality-checked to ensure the surface finishes meet functional and visual requirements.
In conclusion, surface finishings for metal parts are one of the last steps in production, but their impact is felt throughout the entire lifecycle of the component. The right finish can set your parts ahead of competitors and make sure they are real-world ready.
