Metallfinish

Metallfinish is a term used in metalworking to describe a category of surface finishing treatments that yield a metallic appearance and improve surface properties. It encompasses electroplating, powder coating with metallic pigments, anodizing with dyes, chemical conversion coatings, physical vapor deposition (PVD), and vacuum metallizing. The choice depends on appearance, durability, corrosion resistance, and cost.

Process overview: The typical workflow starts with surface preparation—degreasing, cleaning, and roughening by blasting or brushing—to promote adhesion. Depending on the method, the coating is applied by electroplating, spray coating, or deposition, then cured or dried and sealed. Film thicknesses range from a few micrometers for decorative finishes to several tens of micrometers for functional coatings.

Characteristics: Metallfinish options include bright chrome-like, satin, matte, or brushed textures and colors such as silver, gold, bronze, black, and custom tones. They can provide corrosion resistance, hardness, low wear, electrical conductivity, or high reflectivity, depending on the technology used.

Applications: Automotive trims, consumer electronics enclosures, kitchen and bathroom hardware, architectural metalwork, medical devices, and aerospace components.

Considerations: Environmental and regulatory concerns include waste management, heavy metals, energy use, and chemical safety. Compliance with RoHS, REACH, and chromium(VI) restrictions informs process choice. Industry trends favor recycled solutions, solvent reductions, and alternative finishes with lower environmental impact.