Surface treatment is a very important process in the production of various components. While there are many techniques employed to achieve the desired surface properties, the goal is to increase the durability and wear resistance of the component. The primary types of surface treatments are thermal, mechanical and chemical in nature.
Thermal treatments utilize heat to create desired properties. This can involve methods such as annealing, hardening, tempering and quenching. The heat treatment alters the structure of the material in order to achieve a desired strength and hardness. This type of treatment is used to refine the microstructure of a material, and therefore its mechanical properties. These treatments can also be used to repair defects and fracture angles, or to reduce stresses from previous processes.
Mechanical treatments are generally applied to effect a desired surface finish. This usually involves the use of abrasive materials, such as sand paper, to polish the surface. The goal of mechanical treatments is to remove surface imperfections and create a smoother finish. Mechanical treatments might also involve grinding, honing, shot peening and lapping.
Chemical treatments involve changing the surface chemistry. This could involve adding a coating, such as a lubricant or paint, or etching the surface to create a desired texture. Chemical treatments are often used to improve corrosion resistance or to modify the wettability of the surface.
Surface treatments are essential in many industries, including automotive and aerospace. They reduce the amount of energy required to run cutting tools, prolong the life of parts and enhance the productivity of metal working. Proper surface treatment techniques can improve the overall quality and performance of the finished product, ensuring longer service life and a greater return on investment.
