Do you know these four methods of treating metal?
Metal is treated for many reasons, such as protecting it from corrosion, enhancing its electrical or mechanical properties, or simply trying to create a more pleasing aesthetic. The type of metal and the intended purpose will both influence what treatment you choose.
If you are uncertain which is the most appropriate surface treatment for your situation, experts such as those at poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/ will be able to advise you on the relative advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes multiple surface treatments are possible, such as painting hot-dipped galvanised steel
Painting
Painting a metal surface serves the double purpose of protecting it from corrosion and improving its appearance, but there are many different ways that paint can be applied. These include powder coating, spraying, brushing, dipping and electrostatic painting. You find paint treatments used a lot in car manufacture.
Thermal Spraying
Heat from a flame, plasma stream or electrical arc is used to melt a ceramic or metal feedstock. This collides with the substrate at high speeds and bonds with it, providing a layer of protection that allows it to be used in situations where it will be exposed to high temperatures, such as exhaust heat management.
Vacuum Plating
This process takes place in a vacuum chamber and applies oxides, nitrides or ionised metals to the surface. For instance, titanium nitride is used on cutting tools that have been made of carbide or steel, helping to extend their lifespan even when they are used frequently in situations where they may become blunted or eroded.
Hot Dipping
First, a material such as solder, aluminium, zinc, tin or lead is melted, then the metal to be treated is dipped in the liquid. Galvanised steel, which is steel dipped in zinc, is one example. This makes very strong and corrosion-proof metals that can be used in situations where the object will be exposed to extreme conditions, such as a road’s guardrail.
These are just some of the surface treatments available to change or enhance a piece of metal so it can better serve its intended purpose. Many others are available.
