In today’s era, you can look anywhere and easily find things made using sheet metal. From cars and machinery to furniture and house facades, everything is the end product of sheet metal.
Have you ever wondered where all these sheet metals come from? Thanks to the courtesy of sheet metal components manufacturers in Faridabad, sheet metal manufacturing companies in Noida, and others across the world for delivering the best quality steel metal.
These companies successfully deliver quality metal to manufacturing companies (like automotive aircraft, home appliances, building & construction, etc.) using reliable and effective sheet metal fabrication processes.
What Is Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication involves transforming flat sheets of metal into structures and products. The transformation happens after passing the sheets through a series of processes like cutting, punching, folding, assembling, etc. Each process needs to be precise to obtain the desired end product.
One such process that gives sheet metal the necessary appearance is Finishing. It alters the surface to provide a particular characteristic to the sheet metal.
Why Finishing Of Sheet Metal Components Is Important?
Finishing adds a protective layer on the surface of metals and prevents them from corrosion and abrasion. It also helps them withstand high temperature and pressure conditions. Different types of finishing techniques are used for different metals.
This article will let you know the various surface finish operations done on sheet metal parts. So, let’s get started!
Manufacturing Finishes For Sheet Metal Parts
Bead Blasting
A finishing technique that shoots thousands of tiny abrasive particles (like sand or glass) at the sheet metal’s surface, typically with the help of compressed air. The process results in creating a smooth sheet metal surface with matte textures.
The technique fits perfectly when there is a need for removing or cleaning paint from finished parts. It provides a visual quality to the metal parts, making bead blasting popular for applications demanding a matte quality. It can also be followed by other finishing techniques to achieve ideal cosmetic finishing for different metals.
Pros:
- Compatible with different metals like brass, steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
- It offers durability when compared to other sheet metal finishes.
- Environmentally-friendly.
- Excellent for treating sensitive surfaces.
Non-reactive.
Cons:
- It consumes more time when compared to other sheet metal finishes.
- When done using silica, it can lead to health hazards like cancer and lung disease.
- It involves more cost when done at a small scale.
- It demands high precaution measures by the operator.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is a finishing technique in which powdered paint is sprayed on the metal’s surface to create a strong layer that prevents corrosion and wear & tear. The technique holds more importance in sheet metal manufacturing companies in Noida as it provides an effective layer on the exterior of the metal component.
Powder coating is available in multiple colors (including any Pantone hues) to help the sheet metal industries fulfill the various aesthetic requirements of clients. Additionally, it is also available in diverse sheet metal finishes, like metallic, glossy, semi-glossy, and textured.
Pros:
- It possesses superior corrosion and abrasion resistance.
- No chances of adhesion failure, chalking, and fading.
- It provides long-lasting and economical finishing to different sheet metals.
- The coating is less flammable and non-toxic.
- It offers an array of sheet metal finishes for any type of sheet metal.
Cons:
- You cannot mix powders to obtain different colors or hues.
- Expensive.
Anodizing
Another sheet metal finishing technique, especially used for titanium and aluminum metal parts available in three variations: Type I, Type II, and Type III. It involves using an electrochemical process that creates a corrosion-resistant layer on the metal part surface.
The process begins with submerging the metal part into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current. The process converts the surface of the metal part into an anodic oxide layer, which is fully integrated into the part surface.
The technique is commonly used in producing mechanical parts, precision instruments, aircraft & automotive components, etc.
Pros:
- It provides sheet metal with excellent corrosion and abrasion resistance.
- No chances of adhesion failure, chalking, and fading.
- It produces flawless and irremovable sheet metal finishes.
- The finish is UV stable.
Cons:
- It provides finishes with lower thermal conductivity.
- It is not compatible with metals other than aluminum and titanium.
- It is hard to maintain consistency when dealing with various sheet metal parts.
Electroplating
In this finishing technique, fine layers of another type of metal are deposited on the surface of the metal part. Electroplating happens when the depositing metal is in the anode position, and the sheet metal part is in the cathode position. Both the metals are placed inside the electrolyte and are chemically bonded through electric conduction.
The technique boosts electrical conductivity and improves the metal’s capability to withstand radiation. That’s why the method serves its best purpose in producing radiation shields.
Pros:
- It offers the metal’s surface excellent corrosion and abrasion resistance
- It improves conductivity.
- Electroplating reduces friction.
- The process is compatible with different sheet metals.
Cons:
- A little expensive.
Factors To Consider While Selecting the Right Sheet Metal Finishing Process
The Type of Material: Different finishing techniques are compatible with different sheet metals. Apart from this, different metals also possess diverse hardness properties. Therefore, choose a finishing technique that a specific type of metal can withstand.
Coating Thickness: Another factor to consider while selecting the right surface finish for sheet metal. You can choose between the below:
Powder coating – produces thickness between 35 µm and 200 µm.
Anodization- produces thickness between 0.5 µm and 150µm depending on the type.
Electroplating- produces thickness between 5 µm and 25 µm.
Uses: Sheet metal finishes add either functional, aesthetic appeal or both to the metal surface. Therefore, choose a finishing technique wisely.
Turnaround Time: An important factor to consider is the time involved in using each finishing technique. If you have less time, go for a fast-finishing method, and vice-versa.
Cost: Explore all the options you have, choose one that meets your finishing needs, and stay light on your pocket.
How Can We Help?
At Sangeeta Industries, we use the best metal fabrication process to meet our clients’ needs. Choose from a range of finishes you want for your sheet metal parts and get excellent results in promised time.
To get started with sheet metal fabrication, contact us at: https://www.sangeetaindustries.com/contact-us/.
