New to the world of metal finishing and fabrication? If so, you need to understand the importance of metal finishing as well as how the types of metal finishing that a fabrication shop can complete for you.
While metal fabrication and finishing might seem like a confusing topic, this article will explain the finishing process so that you know what to look for in a fabrication shop. Eckstrom Industries will include details of the different types of metal finishing as well as why metal finishing is important for your project.
Metal Fabrication & Finishing Explained
Metal fabrication is an area of work that involves the cutting and forming of metal. Metal sheets are taken and fabricated into parts or products for companies. The process of metal fabrication and finishing requires skilled workmen who have experience with metal forming and cutting.
Once the basic fabrication process is complete (cutting and forming), the process of metal finishing begins. Metal finishing involves adding a layer to a piece of metal to improve the aesthetic appearance of the piece or to boost the durability of the finished product. Metal finishing is the cherry on top of your product.
There are several primary types of metal finishing, which we’ll get into below.
What are the Different Types of Metal Finishing?
There are different types of metal finishing, and each has its own pros and cons. The type of metal finishing that you choose will depend largely on the type of metal that your product is made out of as well as your end goals for the piece (do you want it to have a matte or glossy finish? What about texture?).
Listed are several different types of metal finishing and a little bit about them. If you have additional questions about the listed types of metal finishing, give Eckstrom Industries a call at 425-382-8708.
Metal Plating Finish
This type of metal finishing involves coating the metal with a chemical coat (usually nickel or PTFE). Metal plating as a form of metal finishing provides benefits such as increased product durability and resistance to corrosion.
Brushed Metal Finish
This method of metal finishing is usually used to create a smooth, brushed surface with a uniform grain direction. As the name implies a wire brush is the tool of choice to accomplish the finished look of this metal finish.
Buff Polishing Finish
If a shiny finish is what you’re looking for, buff polishing will be the way to go. This method of metal finishing involves a machine that polishes the surface to create a smooth, glossy finish.
Metal Grinding Finish
Special grinding machines with a rotating drum are employed to create a smooth finish for metal products.
Metal Vibratory Finish
If your metal product has sharp or abrasive edges, a metal vibratory finish might be the most effective method of metal finishing. The process of metal vibratory finishing involves placing the metal inside of a drum-like container that has been filled with abrasive material (such as pellets). The drum-like container is then caused to vibrate and tumble the inside metal in order to wear down the sharp edges.
Powder Coating Finish
This form of metal finish is used to create an aesthetically pleasing finished coat that is either glossy or textured. With powder coating, dry plastic powder is melted down to create this form of metal finishing.
Related Article: How Does Powder Coating Work?
Sand Blasting Finish
This process involves a special sandblasting machine and is used to achieve a smooth metal finish. Abrasive sand or pellets are used with the sandblasting machine and the process is done at a high speed to create a smooth finish.
Hot Blackening
The final type of metal finishing we are going to discuss is hot blackening. Hot blackening involves adding a thin layer of black oxide to the metal product to create a matte finish that is highly resistant to corrosion.
Why Metal Finishing is Important
There are several reasons why it’s important to have your metal finished properly. Companies choosing to skip the step of metal finishing soon find out that the quality, longevity, and appearance of their metal products is inferior to that of metal products that have had a finishing layer.
Here are some of the main benefits of having your metal finished:
- Metal finish increases the durability of your metal
- Metal finish improves the aesthetics of your metal product
- Metal finish provides your product with a higher electrical as well as chemical resistance
- Metal finish protects your metal from tarnishing
As you can see, metal finishing will improve the longevity and corrosion resistance of your metal product. A product that has had metal finishing is one that will be more durable and last your company a long time.
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How to Find a Trustworthy Metal Finishing Shop
Finding the best metal finishing and fabrication shop to meet your needs takes time and careful consideration. When searching for a metal finishing service, make sure to read online reviews, speak with some of the employees to learn about the shop’s finishing process, and ask friends for recommendations.
Finding a reliable metal finishing shop that you can entirely trust to deliver your projects back to you finished and on time, can take time, but the end result will be worth it.
Trust Eckstrom Industries With Your Metal Finishing Projects
Eckstrom Industries specializes in sheet metal fabrication and finishing and has been working with Everett and Seattle based companies since 1930. Eckstrom Industries is a locally built business that has been passed down for four generations and is trusted in their field.
For answers to your metal finishing questions or to book with our knowledgeable team of metal fabrication professionals, contact Eckstrom Industries or send us an email at sales@eckstromind.com. Our hardworking and responsible team would be happy to provide you with additional information about our metal finishing or fabrication services.
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