coating and finishes blog 14

 

Steel is an essential element and the surface finish is a design element of utmost importance. Though, primarily for non-decorative purposes of steel, the surface finish basically pertains to utility i.e. providing protection against harsh weather conditions, increase durability and strength.

With purchasing steel, the most common non-decorative version is the steel that comes with a basic protective layer or finish. As mentioned earlier, they protect the steel from exposure, condensation and other weather elements but they also provide a smooth, polished aesthe

Some common types of finishes for protective steel:

Hot Dip Galvanizing

One of the best protective finishes for steel products which are often exposed to UV rays or which are installed near saline water. In this process, steel is submerged in hot zinc, which creates a thick, durable layer on the surface protecting it from corrosion. These hot dip galvanized steel products withstand weather, heat, impact and other variable conditions. This coating is used for ships, in solar, offshore manufacturing and paper mill units.

Epoxy Coating

For industrial applications, this is one of the most prevalent options. Epoxy is also known as a two-part finish since it consists of a primer and a finish coat. The idea is to protect the steel from oxidation and corrosion. Epoxy as a substance is hard and resists acids, alkali, friction and even condensation. It protects the steel from impact, temperature variables, turbulence and particle absorption. Epoxy is a popular option in gas and oil pipelines, manufacturing applications, in power plants and machines.

Powder Coating

In this finish, an application of powdered paint derived from special resins, pigments and filers are used. The dry particles are electrostatically charged to attract particles of paint onto the steel’s surface where the charge hold them in position during curing under extreme temperatures. Powder coating is popular because it is cost effective and aids in impact-resistance. It is also available in various colours and is a preferred coating method where aesthetics is desired. 

Metal Plating

This is a method where steel is coated by a chemical bath with a light layer of nickel. The process improves the durability of the steel, appearance and resistance to damage in general. But metal plating does not improve the defects of the steel’s surface.

The key benefits of using industrial stainless-steel coatings are protection for the metal from wear and tear, oxidation, weather damage, rusting and other negative factors. Coatings have immense benefits and some of them are listed below,

Restoration and Repair

Coatings are often beneficial and effective in repairing worn and battered components as it is less expensive that replacing them entirely. Also, since these coatings can often be applied on the location, the entire process becomes quicker and more cost and time effective.

Coating Worn Components

The coating of materials with similar properties elevates the steel to its original condition and often restores the quality and condition to almost brand new levels.

Application to New Parts

Coating can also be applied for newly manufactured components to increase durability and performance. It also decreases the risk of wear and tear and the need for replacement, instead it aids in product durability and greater resistance to damage.

blog by Balaji