There are many different types of finishing or coatings for metal in use today. In the past, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) had limited options to choose from, which perhaps didn’t meet all the requirements for the part.
Now, with the use of chemical finishes and mechanical finishes, virtually any type of alloy can be coated with an option that provides the exact finish and attributes required. These attributes or characteristic with coatings for metal will vary based on the industry, the use and the environment in which the part or component will be used. Massachusetts companies will often find that several options are possible to achieve the look and the selective finish required.
Base Metal
One essential factor to consider when choosing coatings for metal will be the base metal or alloy. For example, specific finishes such as passivating are used with stainless steel and titanium while trivalents are used with aluminum. Mechanical finishing including polishing or buffing , is more universal in use.
There are also a few chemical finishings that can be used with virtually all metals and alloys. Electropolishing is one chemical finish option while all alloys can also be finished with powder coat or with a water based paint.
Industry Specific
Regardless of the type of base metal, some components used in different industries will require specialized types of coatings. These types of finishes or coatings are common for medical implants, devices and instruments as well as components for the military and defense industries.
Specialized coatings are also used in the electronics industry, specifically by companies in Massachusetts that are producing semiconductors. Metal finishing services with experience and expertise in these industries can be very helpful in assisting your design and development team make the right coating choice.
For more information on coatings for metal and alloy base materials, visit us at AMF Technologies. We are easy to find on the web at.
