Metal finishing is an important process which helps to prevent and immensely slow down the wear and tear of metal products. Various processes and materials are used for cleaning, plating and etching metallic as well as non-metallic surfaces. With respect to precision tools, the metal finishing process is extremely crucial as it not only helps to achieve the perfect surface but it also enables resistance to corrosion which is an important requisite for maintaining the quality of the precision tool.
General Benefits of Metal Finishing;
Metal finishing may be used for a variety of applications and is not restricted only to precision equipment. The process is intended to alter the surface of the metal for enhancing the following features:
- Resistance to corrosion
- Electrical conductivity
- Resistance to wear and tear
- Electrical resistance
- Tolerance to torque forces
- Resistance to tarnish and chemicals
- Hardness
- Solderability
- Reflection index
- Appearance
- Ability of bonding with rubber (for example, vulcanization)
Benefits of Metal Finishing for Precision Tools:
While the benefits described above indicate most of the features that are enhanced for metals in general. However, with respect to precision tools such as surface plates and precision angle plates, there are three specific advantages that are really crucial for maintaining the quality of these equipment.
- Enhanced Appearance and Surface Quality
Powder coating, silk screening, anodizing, e-coating and plating are some of the processes that are used to enhance the appearance of the surface. More than aesthetic appeal, this process can be useful for making the surfaces smooth and free from abrasions. With the metal plating of your choice, you can get any surface that you need. From a precision perspective, this is extremely significant for ensuring the highest quality in equipment and the maintenance of perfectly aligned surfaces for plates used in precision engineering / measurement.
- Increased Resistance to Forces and Corrosion
Precision tools are used on a rather frequent basis with various other metals and materials coming in direct contact with them. In such cases, there is a considerable possibility of faster wear and tear and corrosion of the equipment. Moreover, the amount of force applied to it, especially torque, can also bring about faster deterioration. Metal finishing instils greater resistance from forces and natural wear and tear. The coating provided to the surface also produces a low co-efficient of friction which is great for improving abrasion resistance. It is useful for making the metal durable which helps in resisting possible damages caused by chemicals, tarnish and corrosion.
- Enhanced Convenience of Cleaning
The smoothness provided to the surface of the metal is done on a microscopic level which helps to reduce contamination as well as adhesion of debris. This greatly reduces the time spent on cleaning the material. Moreover, if cleaning is carried out, then it is done without much difficulty as the debris that does settle on the surface is easily removed due to weak adhesive bonding. For precision tools, this is a boon as frequent care and cleaning requirements are completely eliminated.
Conclusion:
People consider precision tools to be highly durable and resistant to contamination. However, these characteristics are developed with the use of specific processes in metal finishing that enable the surface of the tool to become durable. This helps in the maintenance of high quality levels and due to this, the need for frequent adjustment / calibration is also kept at minimal levels.