Surface treatment plays an important role in modern manufacturing, providing increased functionality and product durability. It is a process in which metals and other materials are treated chemically or mechanically in order to improve certain characteristics such as corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, heat transfer and mechanical properties. The ultimate goal is to achieve product quality that meets the specified requirements of a given application or industry.
Surface treatment of metals is commonly divided into two categories: mechanical treatment and chemical treatment. Mechanical treatment includes chemical etching, machining, polishing and buffing, while chemical treatment includes electroplating, anodizing, coating and chemical deposition.
When considering the need for a particular surface treatment, it is important to decide which type of treatment is appropriate. This will depend on the material being treated, the desired properties, and the parameters of the application. For example, electroplating can increase surface hardness and give a coating that improves wear and corrosion resistance, while chemical deposition can provide an optimum thickness of a certain material.
In addition to the various types of surface treatment processes available, there are also several related terms used to describe and specify the types of treatments used. These include annealing and tempering, electrocleaning and passivation, alodizing and hardening, and burning off and shot peening.
Annealing is a heat treatment process used to alter a materials local molecular structure, making it softer and more malleable. This treatment is often followed by a tempering process to make it harder and more wear-resistant.
Electrocleaning is a process that removes ions or impurities from the surface of a material. This is done by passing a direct current through the material, resulting in a decrease of impurities in the electrocleaning bath fluid. Passivation is a post-cleaning process that rinses the cleaned surface and restores optimal performance of the material.
Anodizing is an electrolytic process used to build a protective oxide film on the surface of a material. This improves the durability and corrosion resistance of the material. Hardening is a related process that further improves hardness and wear resistance.
Burning off and shot peening are mechanical treatments used to either remove manufacturing debris or induce a compressive layer of residual stress on the surface of a material. Burning off is the process of introducing heat to the surface of a material in order to melt and remove surface contaminants, while shot peening is a process of introducing small media particles to the surface in order to improve fatigue life.
Surface treatment is an essential process that helps products achieve desired performance properties and extend the life of critical components. By understanding the various types of treatments available, as well as the related terminology used to describe them, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
