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What is Metal Processing and Finishing?

October 19, 2021

What is Metal Processing and Finishing?

Imagine running a manufacturing plant that produces high-end fitness equipment. You want to provide your customers with an attractive finished product that can stand the test of time. But without proper metal finishing, metal products can quickly become damaged by air pollutants, chemicals, and wear which significantly reduces the metal product’s lifespan. Customer satisfaction will sharply decline if their product quickly deteriorates and loses functionality. So how can you avoid these problems and deliver a finished product that is durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing?

While precision cutting services focus on cutting and forming sheets of metal, metal processing and finishing services focus on creating a functional or decorative finish to a metal’s exterior to improve its appearance and quality.

Manufacturers and businesses can leverage metal processing and finishing services to improve the lifespan of their metal products and provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing finished product to their customers without hiring or training employees, or locating additional space.

What is Metal Finishing and How Does it Work?

Metal processing and finishing is the last step in the manufacturing process and describes an array of processes that alter the surface of metal products and components to improve their durability, appearance, and environmental protection. Metal processing and finishing services also include the implementation of cleaning and polishing processes to further improve the aesthetics of the finished product.

Metal finishing serves many valuable functions including but not limited to:

  • Improve appearance
  • Add specific colors
  • Change the luster
  • Enhance chemical resistance
  • Increase wear resistance
  • Limit effects of corrosion
  • Reduce friction
  • Increase solderability
  • Make a surface electrically conductive
  • Clean, polish and remove surface defects

What are the Different Types of Metal Finishing Processes?

There are numerous types of metal finishing processes, each offering its own unique benefits. The chosen method of metal processing and finishing depends on several factors including final product requirements as well as the product’s metallic structure. Here are some of the different types of metal finishing processes:

  • Electroplating
  • Brushing/Cleaning
  • Buffing
  • Grinding
  • Blasting
  • Heat Treating
  • Powder Coating
  • Hot Blackening

What Industries Require Metal Finishing Services?

Metal finishing services play an essential role in various industries since these services improve durability and expand the lifespan of finished products. In the automotive industry, manufacturers are always searching for ways to protect their products from corrosion, and jet planes and commercial airlines in the aerospace industry require finished metals that can withstand atmospheric conditions.

Industries that commonly leverage metal processing and finishing services to make their metal products more durable and attractive include but are not limited to:

  • Automotive
  • Electronics
  • Aerospace
  • Medical
  • Jewelry
  • Fitness
  • Kitchen and bath
  • Telecommunications
  • Heavy industrial equipment

>> Ready to implement metal finishing services? Discover what information is  needed to engage MSI in service.

Complete Your Manufacturing Process with Metal Processing and Finishing Services

Metal processing and finishing completes the manufacturing process by delivering finalized metal components and products that are durable and aesthetically pleasing. Manufacturers and businesses that partner with an experienced contract manufacturer can streamline production, reduce waste, and deliver enhanced finalized metal products that exceed customer expectations.

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Metal component undergoing metal proccessing and finishing

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