Finishing Techniques Available For Your Steel Fabricated Products

Steel fabrication remains a popular method of creating products since it is highly versatile. However, since you have fabricated your steel products, you then have to establish what finish will be best suited for the final products so that they are both appealing as well as functional in the environments that they will be applied. Choosing a finishing technique can be challenging since there is a broad range of options you can choose. Furthermore, if you are new to fabrication and subsequent finishing, you may be unaware of what will suit your specific steel products. This article tries to make your decision easy by listing three different finishing techniques available for your steel fabricated products.

Metal plating

As per its name, metal plating refers to the method of directly applying a thin sheet of metal onto the surface of your steel product. The metals that are typically employed for this type of finish are rust-resistant, so you can choose from metals such as aluminium, copper, chromium or even nickel. In addition to corrosion resistance, metal plating accords steel products other benefits. For instance, the metal layer reinforces the structural integrity of the product, making it less susceptible to cracks or breakage. Moreover, the metal plating could also function as a decorative feature on the product!

Powder coating

One of the most commonly used finishing techniques in the world is powder coating. This tried and tested method is popular for two main reasons. Firstly, the powder coating protects the steel from rust as long as it remains intact. Secondly, powder coating allows the fabricator to decorate their product in whatever colour they choose! Comprising of electrically charged particles that are thermostatically applied to the surface of your steel product, powder coating is flexible enough to coat any oddly shaped item you may have created.

Galvanising

Another popular finishing technique for steel-based products is galvanisation. This process entails the application of zinc on the surface of the steel fabricated item. The zinc is melted down and then directly coated onto the item. When the molten zinc encounters the steel, a chemical reaction happens that results in the formation of a protective coating on the product. One of the main reasons why galvanisation remains a top finishing technique is that it is much more affordable than a majority of other finishing methods. Secondly, galvanisation has a fast turnaround time, which means you can sell your products as soon as possible.

For more information, contact a steel fabrication service near you.