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Sheet metal fabrication is a process that involves cutting, bending, punching, welding any many other possible steps depending on the part design. The result would be a part that achieves its desired shape and geometry — but it is not quite the finished product. At this point, the unpolished part would be riddled with machine marks, burrs and other stains from the rigours of the previous steps, appearing crude and unappealing. Hence, this is where the finishing step comes in!
Purpose of Surface Finishing
Finishing is most commonly done for aesthetic reasons, especially for parts that are to be sold to consumer markets later on. Another important reason is the protection of the part itself from the many types of wear and degradation, including corrosion, chemical and mechanical natures. Other reasons can include surface friction or adhesiveness, which may demand rougher finishing. In essence, the application of the part is the most important in determining the type of finishing required, whereas the raw unfinished part rarely sufficiently satisfies any kind of engineering application.
Common Types of Finishing
- Anodizing
- Brushing
- Plating
- Polishing
