Steel is a naturally strong and hard-wearing metal, but it can corrode and be attacked by moisture and surface wear. Adding a finish to the steel can enhance its performance and the lifespan of the part. There are a variety of different finishes, each with their own unique set of benefits.
Protective and Functional Finishes
For a uniform coating on components, the most common process used is electroless nickel plating. Electroless nickel plated parts have a hard, durable coating which not only provides resistance to corrosion, but also can provide hardness of the part surface, improving the overall characteristics of the part.
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Zinc plating is typically used on larger parts but can also be applied to small components. Zinc plating provides adequate corrosion protection for most applications, and is especially suitable for fasteners and other hardware that do not require the heavy-coat properties provided by other processes
The other common finish is hot dip galvanisation. This involves immersing the steel in molten zinc, creating a tough and hard-wearing coating. It is a durable protective finish that lasts for decades and is designed to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions.
Appearance and Durability
Another common method for protecting parts and adding colour is powder coating. The powder coating is applied and then baked in an oven to form a tough, durable coating that is resistant to chipping and scratching. This method is used on products such as furniture, wheelchairs, and car parts.
