Need Metal Finishing? 4 Things To Consider When Choosing The Finish
If you're going to be adding a finish to your metal, and you'll be using electroplating, you need to take a few things into consideration. There are different types of electroplating techniques for metal finishing, depending on your specific requirements. Unfortunately, choosing the right finish can be difficult if you're not sure what to look for. Here are four things you need to consider when choosing the type of metal finishing will work best for your specific application.
Environmental Concerns
When choosing the right metal finishing for your application, you need to consider any environmental concerns that might be a factor. First, you need to determine where the finished product will be located – interior or exterior conditions. Second, you'll need to determine if the finished product will be exposed to chemicals. Third, you'll need to determine exposure to environmental issues such as dust, sand, and humidity. Issues such as high humidity and sand can pose a considerable risk if the wrong type of metal finish is applied.
Appearance You're Looking For
When you're choosing the type of electroplating for your metal finish, you'll need to identify the type of overall appearance you're hoping to achieve. For instance, you'll want to consider the benefits of a non-reflective versus a reflective surface. You'll also need to determine if you're looking for a decorative appearance or a purely functional appearance for the finished product. Finally, you'll need to choose between matte, gloss or flat finish.
Specific Protective Requirements
In addition to environmental concerns and appearance specifications, you'll also need to consider any specific protective requirements you may have for the electroplated metal finish. Some of these requirements might include rust protection, scratch or acid resistance, reflectivity, and surface conductivity. These specific requirements will help you choose the type of electroplating metal finish you need.
Type of Industrial Application
Finally, when determining the type of metal finishing you need, it's important for you to consider the type of industrial application your finished product will be used for. Each industrial application will have a specific set of standards and requirements for metal finishing. Some industrial applications to consider include automotive, industrial, consumer products, and electronics.
Don't take chances with your metal finishing. Before you begin your project, make sure you know what type of metal finishing you'll need for your specific application. The information provided here will help you choose the type of metal finishing that's right for your project.