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3 Benefits of Metal Processing and Finishing

December 7, 2021

3 Benefits of Metal Processing and Finishing

The results of metal processing and finishing are around us on a day-to-day basis. From kitchen appliances to automobiles, many commonly used products have undergone a metal finishing process at some point during their product lifespan.

Without proper metal finishing, metal products and components quickly become damaged by air pollutants, chemicals, and normal wear which significantly reduces the metal product’s lifespan.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and businesses can leverage metal processing and finishing services to provide several benefits including enhanced aesthetics, improved durability, and a simplified cleaning process.

What is Metal Processing and Finishing?

Metal processing and finishing describe numerous processes that alter the surface of metal products and components to improve their appearance, durability, and environmental protection. To further improve the aesthetics of a finished metal product, metal processing and finishing services also include cleaning and polishing processes.

There are various types of metal finishing processes, each offering unique benefits. Here are some of the different types of metal finishing processes:

  • Electroplating
  • Electroless Plating
  • Passivation
  • Hot Blackening
  • Powder Coating
  • Phosphate Coating
  • Electropolishing
  • Buff Polishing
  • Abrasive Blasting

Industries that commonly leverage metal processing and finishing services include but are not limited to:

  • Jewelry
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Electronics
  • Appliances
  • Fitness equipment
  • Telecommunications

What are the Benefits of Metal Processing and Finishing?

Metal products without metal finishing services would only last a fraction of their present lifespan due to corrosion and wear. In addition to improving durability, metal processing and finishing help manufacturers and businesses meet consumer demands for a decorative finalized appearance.

From an improved appearance to decreased cleaning time, here are the top benefits of metal processing and finishing.

Improved Appearance

One of the most notable benefits of metal processing and finishing is the product’s improved appearance. Metal finishing processes like electropolishing and buff polishing remove sharp edges and potentially dangerous burrs from the product’s surface to produce a matte, textured, or glossy finish.

Some metal finishing processes apply color like electrostatic painting and powder coating to further enhance a product’s aesthetics. Powder coating provides an attractive finish and is more durable than liquid paint. Powder-coated metal products are more resistant to chemicals, moisture, ultraviolet light, and other extreme weather conditions.

Enhanced Corrosion Resistance

If left untreated, metal products deteriorate faster than products that are treated. Manufacturers and businesses can rely on metal finishing services to enhance the abrasion and corrosion resistance of their metal products, enabling a longer product lifespan.

Finished metal products have a smoother surface and a lower coefficient to friction which contributes to enhanced friction and torque resistance. These properties are integral for industrial machines and products that have an engine as their parts are constantly under stress.

Decreased Cleaning Time

Unfinished metal products or components have rough surfaces that contribute to lengthy cleaning times and difficult maintenance. Long cleaning times can severely impact productivity in industries that require repeated sterilization or cleaning such as medical, food and beverage, and automotive.

Metal processing and finishing services smooth the surface of products and components on a microscopic level to significantly reduce adhesion and contamination. The leveling of micro peaks and valleys through metal finishing prevents the collection of debris in otherwise grooved surfaces and enables easier maintenance and sterilization.

Metal finishing also reduces the amount of time required to clean a metal product or component and eliminates the need for harmful chemicals that increase the rate of metal degradation. For unfinished materials, considerable care and time must be taken to ensure procedures and chemicals don’t contribute to degradation. Products that have undergone metal finishing can be power-washed, hydro-blasted, or polished with ease. 

Deliver Enhanced Metal Products That Exceed Your Customer’s Expectations

Manufacturers and businesses should partner with experienced metal finishing specialists to provide their customers with durable and easy-to-clean finished metal products that will stand the test of time.

Outsourcing metal processing and finishing to a trusted third-party enable OEMs and businesses to spend less time managing the hassles of production and focus more time on growing their business.

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Metal component undergoing metal proccessing and finishing

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