Metals: Finishing Techniques for Metals
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 4.10.4
Finishing Techniques for Metals
There are a number of finishing techniques that are used for metals.
Vibratory finishing
- Vibratory finishing involves placing metal parts in a vibrating container or tub.
- In the vibrating container, there is abrasive media, water, and compounds.
- The vibrations cause the media to come into contact with the metal surfaces.
- This results in deburring, edge rounding, and surface refinement.
Shot blasting
- Shot blasting is a process where metal surfaces are bombarded with small, high-velocity steel shots.
- Shot blasting is used to remove:
- Scale.
- Rust.
- Paint.
- Surface contaminants.
- Shot blasting provides a clean and textured finish.
Powder coating
- Powder coating electrostatically applies a dry powder to a metal surface.
- The powder coating is cured in an oven.
- Powder coating can provide a durable, protective, and attractive finish.
- Powder coating can come in various colours and textures.
Passivation
- Passivation is a chemical process.
- Passivation removes impurities from the surface and creates a protective oxide layer.
- Passivation is primarily used on stainless steel.
- Passivation improves the resistance to corrosion.
- Passivation can also improve the appearance of the metal.
Laser engraving
- Laser engraving uses a laser beam to etch or engrave designs, patterns, or text onto metal surfaces.
- Laser engraving offers precise and detailed markings.
- Detailed markings can be used for:
- Personalization.
- Branding.
- Identification purposes.
Test yourself on Metals: Finishing Techniques for Metals
What finishing technique creates precise and detailed markings?