The key benefit of surface treatments is their ability to enhance or add desirable attributes to an existing surface. This can help to extend the lifespan of the item.
Metal Surface Treatments – Market Size
Despite sounding relatively niche, the market for metal surface treatments in the UK was valued at over £160million in 2018. Globally, the market value is currently estimated at more than $2bn.
If you feel that yourself or your business could benefit from surface treatments, there are a number of specialists in this sphere, many of which also have useful online resources, such as the examples seen here: https://www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/. Four of the most common metal surface treatments are outlined below:
1. Electroplating
The electroplating process is used to add a thin, metallic coating on the item’s surface. It uses an electrical current which is passed through a bespoke solution containing a negatively charged electrical current and dissolved metal ions.
A range of metals can be used for electroplating, as long as they can conduct electricity. Metals that are commonly used for electroplating include cadmium, chromium, gold, copper, silver, tin, nickel and zinc.
2. Electroless Plating
This method is (perhaps unsurprisingly) quite similar to electroplating. However, instead of using an electrical current, it uses a reduction agent which is contained within the plating solution. Common metals used include copper, gold, nickel, cobalt, palladium, iron, silver and their alloys. Electroless plating offers excellent uniformity.
- Anodic OxidationThis type of surface treatment involves adding an oxide film and is often used with light metals such as titanium and aluminium. The film is formed via electrolysis. The properties of the film (e.g. thickness, wear-resistance etc.) can be precisely controlled to deliver the desired outcome. Colouring agents can also be added for aesthetic purposes.
4. Chemical Treatment
This method also involves the creation of thin films. However, these are created using chemical reactions as opposed to electrolysis. This method is often used for the colouring of metals, adding corrosion resistance, or priming a surface that is to be painted.
