Metal finishing is one of those manufacturing processes that so many people and businesses use without knowing exactly what it is, or why it’s as prevalent and advantageous as it is. The fact is, it’s relied upon in countless applications and industries, and has brought the industry equally numerous benefits.

The What and Why of Metal Finishing

The manufacturing industry relies on a huge array of metals; from stainless steel and titanium to aluminum and copper, the vast majority of manufacturing equipment—as well as the products the industry produces—are made from metal.

However, what many people don’t realize is that these metals wouldn’t offer close to the amount of advantages they do without metal finishing. The process treats the exterior of a metal product by adding various layers, making the product exponentially better.

There are numerous types of metal finishing, but whichever the type and its specific process, the result is a product that lasts longer and looks better. Some of the types of metal finishing include:

• Metal Plating
• Metal Grinding
• Sand Blasting
• Powder Coating
• Hot Blackening
• Buff Polishing
• Brushed Metal Finishing

Benefits and Applications for Metal Polishing

Most often, metal finishing is done to achieve longevity, resistance to wear, ease of maintenance/cleaning, and improved appearance. More specifically, advantages include:

• Greater chemical and electrical resistance
• Improved durability
• Better electrical conductivity
• Better tarnish resistance
• Enhanced brightness, color, reflectivity, etc.
• Improved corrosion resistance

As a result of the many distinct advantages provided by metal finishing, there are limitless possibilities for its use in manufacturing. Some of the many industries that use it include electronics, aerospace, telecommunications, automotives, appliances, and many more.

For so many reasons, the process of metal finishing makes good products great, and is relied upon by manufacturers of varying products throughout the world.