Businesses that manufacture metal products will likely need metal finishing to enhance the durability and appearance of the item. With so many options available, however, it can be a challenge to figure out which procedure will best suit your needs. To help you determine which form of metal finishing is right for you, here are several popular processes, including their benefits and uses.

3 Kinds of Metal Finishing

1. Nickel Plating

Nickel is a durable metal, which is why it’s used as a base coat before plating over precious metals like silver and gold. This particular finishing process hardens the surface of the substrate or the surface to which the metal finishing is applied. Not only will it enhance the product's wear resistance, but nickel plating will also protect it against corrosion. 

2. Electroless Plating

This procedure uses a liquid bath with metal ions to bind the finishing to a substrate. However, it does not require electricity. Instead, the compounds and metal ions within the liquid create a reaction that forces the metal to adhere to the item’s surface. This process is usually used for nickel products, and it can work on both conductive and non-conductive parts. Electroless plating also provides a finish with a consistent thickness regardless of the shape of the substrate. 

3. Hard Chrome Plating

Hard chrome plating is another process that prevents corrosion and enhances wear resistance, thanks to the hardness of chromium metal. The procedure requires a bath and dissolved ions, but it also needs electricity to produce the desired coating on the metal substrate. This process is ideal for parts that will be under severe wear situations or harsh environments, such as screws, agriculture equipment, and mechanical components. 

As the go-to company for metal finishing in Cincinnati, OH, Porter-Guertin Co. is here to provide you with all of your plating needs. These plating experts use advanced technological procedures to increase the durability and reliability of their clients’ metal parts. Whether you need electroless nickel plating, chrome plating, or have parts that need polishing, their team will find and implement a solution that will maximize the performance of your components. To learn more about what this company can do for you, call (513) 241-7663 or visit them online today.