When you look at a piece of metal, you generally only see the top layer of the material. This layer dramatically impacts the appearance of the product and protects it from the elements, which is why industrial metal finishing is so important. There are multiple types of finishing processes that can give industrial facilities the look and durability they need. Here’s a guide to this concept to help you make the most of these services.

What Is Industrial Metal Finishing?

Industrial metal finishing describes the process of improving the exposed surface of a metal part. This may involve cleaning, grinding, or polishing the metal that is already there, or it may include adding a layer of metal to improve the aesthetics and protection. It is the last step in the process of manufacturing or fabricating metals before they are sent to industrial users. It can also be performed on metal parts that are already complete, if the user wants a different finish for practical or aesthetic purposes. 

What Are the Different Types of Finishings?

Coating and plating are two of the most popular types of finishings. Coating involves applying a thin layer of another metal or substance directly over the industrial part. This is often done with nickel, which provides a clean look and helps the metal underneath avoid corrosion. 
Plating involves submerging metal into chemicals to coat it in various types of metal finishings or change the makeup of the existing exterior. More specifically, hard chrome plating can be performed on a variety of materials, including steel, bronze, brass, and cast iron. This adds a more durable finish over these metals so that they can hold up against wear in industrial facilities. Metals can also be polished, blasted with aluminum oxide grit, or ground to remove imperfections and smooth the surface of the existing metal. 

If you’re in the market for industrial metal finishing services, contact Porter-Guertin Co. in Cincinnati, OH. The metal finishing company can coat, plate, or polish a variety of metal parts for industrial facilities. They work on projects of all sizes, so visit the website for a full list of their services. To request an estimate, call (513) 241-7663.