One of the vital things you need to consider when you have a steel fabrication project is the finish. This is the surface treatment that changes the steel product properties to boost its functionality, longevity and decorative appeal. Finishes also improve a product's electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, torque tolerance, chemical resistance and durability.
With that said, it's clear that you have to make an informed choice when choosing a finish for your fabricated products to enjoy these benefits. This post will share some tips to help make your decision-making process easier.
Which factors will determine my choice?
Before you choose any type of finish for your steelwork, it is crucial to consider several factors. First, take product application or use into account, and then determine the finish that will be more suitable.
Other factors you should keep in mind while choosing the finish include the production speed and project timeline, the cost of the finish per product and the type of steel you are using (be it stainless steel, alloy steel or carbon steel).
What types of finishes are available?
Powder coating
Powder coating is one of the best decorative finishes you can consider for your steel fabrication project. Besides improving your product's aesthetics, thanks to the variety of colours and textures, powder coating is known for being more durable than paint, environmentally friendly and affordable.
Usually, dry paint granules or plastic powder are melted onto the fabricated product to give it a glossy, matte or textured finish. You can also use this method to eliminate product surface defects.
Blasting
This is a form of finish known for removing light burrs and texturizing metal to offer a fantastic finish. The operators usually use sand or a similar abrasive to give the product a smooth texture. The procedure can be categorised into two: sand and bead blasting.
Sandblasting entails dropping the steel components slowly to expose them to a gun that blasts abrasive sand. The process is repeated until the product gets a uniform finish. Bead blasting, on the other hand, involves using steel shots or glass beads with varying qualities, and it is environmentally-friendly.
Hot-dip galvanising
Another popular finish method your fabricator may endorse is hot-dip galvanising. It involves dipping the steel fabricated products in a hot bath of liquid zinc to coat them. This procedure is not only effective in protecting the base metal from rusting, but it's also affordable.
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