With all the factors that are to be considered when designing a metal fabrication project, you could certainly be forgiven for thinking that the finishing process is important for the sake of aesthetics only. Far from it, the metal finishing process adds functional value to the final products in many ways.

Here are some important metal fabrication goals that can be achieved by choosing the appropriate metal finishing process.

Making Products More Resistant To Corrosion

Corrosion, which occurs when metal surfaces are exposed to chemicals or air, remains the biggest threat to the longevity of metal products. That said, metal products often require a protective coating to achieve the desired level of protection from corrosion.

While the final metal products may eventually corrode, the finishing process can help limit the impact of corrosion and extend product lifespans.

Increasing The Thickness And Strength Of The Final Products

Metal finishing also comes in handy in applications where there's a need to increase the thickness and strength of metal products. A thick surface coating adds bulk to the final product, leading to increased product strength. This can improve the product's resistance to scratches, friction, and other forms of surface damage. 

By protecting the underlying metal from surface damage, the finishing process helps prolong the life of metal products.

Providing Higher Electrical Resistance

Although some metals conduct electrical current more easily than others, all metals are electrically conductive and this can create problems in certain metal fabrication projects. If your project faces a high risk of electrical accidents and injuries, you may require metal finishing to improve electrical resistance and keep everyone safe. 

Improving Electrical Conductivity

Aside from improving electrical resistance, metal finishing can also be used to great effect in providing higher electrical conductivity. For example, electroplating with gold is a highly effective way to increase the electrical conductivity of finished metal products.

Improving Impact Resistance

In applications where metal products may be subjected to high impact, it's important to ensure the final products are tough enough to withstand great forces. The finishing can be carried out to increase the hardness of metal products to ensure exceptional resistance to high impact.

Beyond enhancing aesthetic appeal, metal finishing processes help to maximize the functional value of metal products. To determine which metal finishing processes are right for your project, talk to the professionals at a metal fabrication company about your project-specific needs and requirements.

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