Metals are well known for their strength, adaptability, and durability. However, corrosion is undoubtedly the most frequent and well-known issue that people deal with when using metals.
As sheet metal products have visible tool marks and potentially sharp edges and burrs. It not only affects the looks of the product but also the tolerances
That is why numerous strategies have been put forth to lengthen the useful life of metallic products and improve their corrosion resistance.
Each technique has its advantages and drawbacks, they also have varying time, labor and money requirements which makes it essential for you to understand how to choose the best one for your specific needs.
This article will cover the applicability of some of the most popular types of metal coatings and their appropriate applications.
Powder Coating
Powder coating entails covering an object with a material made of powder. The coating particles are electrically charged in an electrostatic process with polarities opposite those of the component to be coated. The powdered particles stick to the metal's surface due to the difference in charges to form a coating. It’s then cured using UV rays or heat to ensure the coat covers the metal part evenly, forming a matte, glossy or textured finish. A textured powder coat hides defects on a metal surface.
Pros
- Highly durable and resistant to scratches to a certain level and can withstand harsh environmental conditions because it’s resistant to fading and chipping
- Environmentally friendly, as it does not require solvents that contribute to air pollution. And it works with minimal waste as unadhered powder can be gathered and reused
- Available in a wide range of colors and finishes to suit any design and esthetically pleasing than paint.
Cons
- Can be more expensive than other coating options as it might be cost-effective in the long run, but also it has high start-up expenses due to specialized spray booths, ovens, and spraying equipment needed for the coating process.
- Not suitable for all metal types, such as galvanized steel
- Compared to other coating techniques, the resultant surface is not the smoothest.
Galvanization
This is typically achieved through hot-dip galvanizing, that involves submerging the metal—usually steel or iron—in a bath of molten zinc. or through electro-galvanizing, which uses an electric current to apply the zinc layer hereby coating the steel with multiple layers of zinc-iron alloy and zinc metal.
The coated metal forms a protective zinc carbonate layer when it is removed by reacting with atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Pros:
- Provides excellent corrosion protection, especially for steel as zinc oxide coating sticks to a metal substrate securely, is extremely stable, is long-lasting, and does not peel off easily.
- The zinc coating will sacrifice itself by corroding preferentially if the metal's surface gets exposed due to scratches, metal cuttings, or dents. This method aids in preserving the steel substrate between maintenance procedures.
- Cost-effective for large items
- Can be painted or powder coated for additional protection and aesthetics
Cons:
- Not suitable for metals other than steel.
- It limits your aesthetic options because it’s only available in one color.
Anodizing
The anodizing process is an electrochemical procedure that involves oxidizing the outer layer of a metal work piece by soaking it in chromic acid electrolyte and passing an electric current through it.
Anodizing is similar to passivation as it improves the thickness of the oxide layer thereby making the metal surface corrosion resistant and it is used primarily for aluminum coating.
Pros:
- Enhances the natural corrosion resistance of aluminum.
- They can be dyed in a wide range of colors providing a decorative finish.
- Resistant to UV radiation and fading.
Cons:
- Only suitable for aluminum
- Can be more expensive than other coating options as it’s more energy-intensive and often requires more expensive materials.
E-Coating
E-coating, or electrophoretic coating, is a process that involves immersing the metal in a water-based paint solution and applying an electric current to deposit the paint onto the surface, it’s most often used in the automotive industry because it provides a uniform coating and can reach areas that might be difficult to coat with other methods.
Pros:
- Uniform and corrosion-resistant finish.
- Environmentally friendly, with low VOC emissions.
- Cost-effective and efficient process providing affordable, durable and reliable corrosion protection.
Cons:
- Limited color options compared to powder coating.
- Not as durable as powder coating or anodizing.
Electroplating
Electroplating is the process of coating a metal substrate with another metal or metal alloy, such as copper, zinc, silver or nickel.
Also called electrodeposition, electroplating involves placing a metal part or component in a tank filled with a positively charged electrolyte. An electric current then splits the electrolyte to deposit the ions on the substrate. This process forms a thin metallic layer on the surface of the metal work piece.
Pros:
- Enhances the metal's corrosion resistance and wear properties which can also improve some of the mechanical qualities of the metal.
- Results in a visually appealing surface texture providing a decorative and high-quality finish.
- Can be used on a variety of metal types
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than e-coating due to the cost of the metals used and the complexity of the process.
- Requires regular maintenance and polishing to maintain appearance
- It might result in coating thicknesses that are not uniform, rendering it unsuitable for high-precision applications.
- Chemicals that could be toxic and hazardous are utilized as electrolytes care must be taken when dumping electrolyte compounds.
Finally, understanding the different types of metal coatings is essential for selecting the best option for your specific needs.
That is why we in MASAR offer a range of metal coating options to suit your needs and ensure the longevity and aesthetic appearance of your customized product.