Steel Finishing
Steel is a versatile, durable and recyclable metal and one of the most commonly used elements on the planet. Steel plays an important role in industries from construction and engineering, to automotive and aerospace. Steel is produced in many forms and requires a variety of finishing processes and treatments. Steel finishing is the process of applying a coating or treatment to steel to enhance its properties and either give it additional protection or improve its look.
One of the most common steel finishing processes is galvanization. This process involves coating the steel in a layer of zinc which prevents corrosion and rusting. Hot-dip galvanization is the most common method, as it is cost effective and offers a higher level of protection than other processes. There are various methods of hot-dip galvanization, including immersion, pre-treatment and post-treatment. The steel is dipped in molten zinc, then immersed in acidic baths to clean off any impurities. The treated steel is then allowed to cool before being sent to the surface treatment plant for further finishing.
Another common steel finishing process is painting or powder coating. This process involves coating the steel with a protective layer of paint or powder which is available in a variety of colors. The steel is usually pre-treated before painting to ensure that the paint will adhere properly to the surface. The steel is also pre-treated with a primer or clearcoat to provide additional protection and make it more resistant to wear. The powder coat is then applied with either an electrostatic gun or a spray gun.
Steel finishing also includes anodizing, which is a process of manipulating the electrical current flow through the steel to change its surface characteristics. The steel is coated with a thin layer of aluminum oxide which increases its durability and makes it resistant to corrosion. Anodizing is often used to create a decorative finish on aluminum and steel products, such as furniture and appliances. This process can also be used to harden the steel surface, providing added strength and durability to the item.
Lastly, polishing is also a common steel finishing process which is used to raise the steels surface to a high level of reflectivity and produce a mirror-like finish. This is often achieved by using a grinder, such as a belt or disc sander, to smooth out the surface and increase its reflectivity. The surface can then be buffed and polished to produce a glossy and highly reflective finish.
