Finishing is a critical step in any fabrication project. The ideal finish product adds an extra layer of durability while enhancing the aesthetics of surfaces. Finishing also provides higher electrical, chemical, and tarnish resistance. There are several methods to finish metal fabrication projects, including powder coating, liquid painting, and plating.
Powder Coat Painting
Powder coating is a dry finishing process popularly utilized as a metal finish for a range of industrial equipment. Powder coating is famed for its high quality, durable finish that enables maximized production, improved efficiencies, and simplified environmental compliance. It is available in various colors and textures and can be used as a protective or decorative finish. It is an ideal finish for different surfaces, including metal, concrete, steel, and plastic.
During the application process, all ingredients are melted, mixed, then cooled and ground into a powder. An electrostatic paint sprayer is applied to the dry paint before curing it with heat to achieve a uniform finish. The benefits of powder coating over other available options include:
- Ideal for a range of applications: Powder-coating painting is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Cost-effective: Powder coating offers an affordable way to protect the roughest, toughest machinery as well as the household items you depend on daily.
- It’s tough and durable: The chemical bonds provide a superior coating ideal for both machinery and everyday items. It can withstand extreme weather and physical impact while resisting scratches, abrasions, and chips.
- Environmentally friendly: Powder coating is an eco-friendly option because it can be reused and recycled. Besides, unlike painting, where there is a lot of overspray, the powder is used precisely to minimize wastage.
Liquid Painting
Liquid painting is an ideal option when working on completing projects that must meet tight and specific guidelines. It is also the best option in applications that need paint colors on a part that could prove difficult to color match with powder. Liquid paint can be applied in a range of products such as:
- Automotive Steering Gears
- Drive Shafts
- Hydraulic Motors
- Truck Wheels Requiring Special Colors
- Tractor Chassis Assemblies
- Assembled Machines
Liquid paints offer several benefits, including cure temperature versatility and easy on-site color changes. It can also serve as a primer with special corrosion-inhibiting additives. Additionally, liquid paints can be applied to fully assembled equipment like large construction and material-handling machinery.
Plating
Industrial plating is a process in which metals are deposited on the substrates. The process is utilized to coat and protect products by forming a thin layer of metal over substrates. Metal plating can be done through two major processes:
- Electrolytic – uses electricity to coat the base metal with a plating material
- Electroless – uses a chemical reaction to deposit the plating material onto a metal substrate surface
Metal plating offers a myriad of advantages when applied to products made from metal and other materials. These include:
- Greater corrosion resistance
- Increased surface thickness
- Improved strength and durability
- Enhanced appearance
- Increased solderability
- Upgraded electrical conductivity
- Bolstered electrical resistance
- Superior chemical resistance
- Improved adhesion
- Greater wear resistance
TBSI also offers black oxide coating, a finish with minimal corrosion resistance, as well as Magni coating.
Learn More About Our Finishing Services
The ideal finish coating for your product guarantees the best protection, lasting durability, and enhanced aesthetics. At TBSI, we are committed to providing all our customers with excellent, affordable coating solutions that give your product the exact finish you need. Whether you need powder coating, liquid painting, or plating, TBSI has you covered. Contact us today to request a quote.