Coating and Finishes
We are able to offer a complete range of finishes for your parts to suit your specifications. Before we begin the manufacturing process of your components you might like to consider the grades of material available.
We are able to offer advice regarding the material choice and suitability for the type of finish you might require.
Anodising is the treatment of aluminium to produce natural oxide coatings for protection, identification, wear resistance and decoration. By placing them in a solution, a voltage is applied causing an oxide film to be produced at a controlled rate to a desired thickness. This anodic film is not a surface coating, but is part of the material. This provides a silver coloured finish showing the natural colour of the metal but components can also be dyed in a range of colours to provide eye-catching effect. Hard Anodising provides a cost-effective way to enhance the performance and appearance of Aluminium. An anodic film thickness of up to 30microns can be produced, depending on the grade of alloy and end use of the components. The lower range of thickness is ideal for decorative finishes, and the medium range is ideal for dyeing, above 15 microns is used for applications where corrosion resistance and wear are the main criteria. Etching, and or polishing prior to anodising may be carried out to enhance the component's appearance. The oxide film produced provides the surface with an extremely hard, durable, corrosion resistant and long lasting finish.
Powder Coating is a type of dry coating, which is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The coating is typically applied electro statically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin." It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as "white goods", aluminium extrusions, and automotive and motorcycle parts.
Plating describes surface-covering where a metal is deposited on a conductive surface. Plating has been done for hundreds of years, but it is also critical for modern technology. Plating is used to decorate objects, for corrosion inhibition, to improve solder ability, to harden, to improve wear ability, to reduce friction, to improve paint adhesion, to alter conductivity, for radiation shielding, and for other purposes. There are several plating methods, and many variations.
Screen printing, is a printmaking technique that creates a sharp-edged image using a stencil. It is commonly used to print images on polyethylene, polypropylene, metals, and wood. Screen printing is arguably the most versatile of all printing processes.
