4.10.2

Metals: Surface Treatments for Metals

Test yourself on Metals: Surface Treatments for Metals

After reading these notes, test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Surface Treatments for Metals

There are a number of commonly used surface treatments for metals.

Metallic finishes

Metallic finishes

  • Metal surfaces can be finished to achieve desired appearances.
    • For example, polished, brushed, or satin finishes.
  • Metallic finishes are achieved through mechanical processes.
    • For example, grinding, sanding, or buffing.
  • These mechanical processes alter the surface texture and appearance.
Conversion coatings

Conversion coatings

  • Conversion coatings are applied to metals to improve their resistance to corrosion.
  • Conversion coatings provide a base for subsequent treatments or coatings.
  • Conversion coatings include:
    • Chromate conversion coatings.
    • Phosphate coatings.
    • Black oxide coatings.
Case hardening

Case hardening

  • Case hardening is a heat treatment process.
  • During case hardening, the metal surface is heated and then cooled rapidly.
    • This process creates a hardened outer layer.
  • The hardened outer layer improves wear resistance.
Nitriding

Nitriding

  • Nitriding is a heat treatment process.
  • During nitriding, nitrogen is diffused into a metal surface at elevated temperatures.
    • This process creates a hard and wear-resistant layer.
Etching

Etching

  • Etching is a controlled chemical or electrochemical process.
  • Etching involves removing material to create visual and textural effects.
  • Etching is used to create:
    • Patterns.
    • Logos.
    • Designs.
Jump to other topics
1

Core Technical Principles

2

Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles

3

Timber: Specialist Technical Principles

4

Metal: Specialist Technical Principles

5

Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles

6

Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles

7

Designing & Making Principles

Practice questions on Metals: Surface Treatments for Metals

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
Answer all questions on Metals: Surface Treatments for Metals

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium