Coating and Finishing

Anodising is created by the process of electrolytic passivation which increases the thickness of the outer layer of metal. It is used to increase strength and protect against corrosion, as well as to add colour (like in the instance of Apple iPod).

Polishing and buffering involves changing the surface of metal to some small degree. The purpose of this change in surface is to remove small damage or add shine. Buffering and polishing are two processes with some slight differences, but the results achieve exactly the same results.

During most machining processes, work pieces become burred, and sharp edges or material compression occurs.This effects the quality of the part and can create a potential sources of error during the assembly process. De-Burring can occur during stamping, fine blanking or forming; during casting, and molding of material, during milling, turning, drilling and grinding; material, tools, cutting speed and stock.

Foiling is the process of adding metallic designs to paper. Foiling is usually done with a foiling machine which is a heated foil application system that will work to add a metallic finish to cards, invitation, or scrapbooks.

Galvanising is the most environmentally friendly process available to prevent corrosion in steel and metal. It is widely used in industries that require corrosion resistance metal, without the cost of stainless steel. The zinc coating protects scratching and corrosion by providing a top layer that takes the effects of any damage, leaving the steel or iron unaffected.

Laminating is the technique of applying multiple layers, so that the materials has additional stability and strength. It is a process often applied to paper to also give a level of water resistance or to prevent fading from UV.

The most common form of plating is the process of covering a solid surface with a metal sheet and binding them together via heat. The purpose of plating is often aesthetic, in the case of jewellery, or to strengthen and give protection against corrosion.

Polishing enhances the look of metal wear by adding shine and brightness. Polishing is also to remove subtle damage, like scratches. In the process, the surface incurs a minor change through a process that involves an abrasive that is glued to the work wheel.

Unlike normal paint, powder coating does not require any solvent and is cured under heat. Powder coating can produce thicker coatings of paint, making it much harder-wearing and attract to the automotive and cycling industry – often used on wheel alloys and bicycle frames.

Screen printing is a type of printing technique that uses a mesh to transfer ink. It works by allowing all areas to penetrate onto the substrate, bar those which are impermeable because of the blocking stencil. It is commonly used to print on clothes, balloons, medical devices, electronic devices, product labels, decals and product labels.

Blasting can be used to smooth a rough surface or roughen a smooth surface. One of the most abrasive methods of blasting is shot blasting, with shots being the term for small balls or pellets made of lead. The purpose of shotblasting is to clean or strengthen polish metal.

Metal equipment has to be cleaned to prevent damage and ensure smooth running. In manufacturing and industries that handle metalwork (including aluminum, copper/brass, steel, stainless steel, zinc or another hard surface), the process of cleaning is referred to as industrial cleaning.

Spray painting involves using a device to spray paint, ink or varnish through the air on to a surface. It is commonly used in automotive, decorative, marine, architectural coating, furniture finishing, scenic painting and cosmetic industries. It is also commonly employed through graffiti.

Other products that didn't quite fit into any of the above categories.