Finishes

 Finishing and Coating of Steel:

If there's any particular entity that can be credited to have nurtured the industrial revolution to give us the present-day instruments, it is steel. The coating and surface finish for most non-decorative purposes of steel cater to the requirements of their applications(Protection against harsh weather, durability, etc.), while certain circumstances exist, where , its finish is prioritized much.

The most popular non-decorative steel has a basic protective layer(finish). This protects it from condensation, exposure and various other effects of weather. Apart from this, this provides a smooth and polished aesthetic to the article.

Some common types of finishes for protective steel are that follow:

Hot Dip Galvanizing:

A very popular protective finish for steel articles that are often subjected to UV rays or placed in proximity of saline water. As for this process, the steel is submerged in hot zinc, that results in a thick and resistant layer that is immune to corrosion. Steel articles that are subjected to hot dip galvanization are durable against various external factors including weather, heat and impact to name a few. This coating finds its purpose in ships, solar , offshore manufacturing and paper mill units.

Epoxy Coating:

For large scale applications in industries, this is a very handy option. It is also called the "Two-part" finish, on account of a primer and a finish coat. The scheme of this, is to protect the steel instrument against oxidation and corrosion. Epoxy, is a hard substance, which is resistant to acidic and alkali corrosion, and even friction and condensation. It protects the item from impact, weather and also prevents particle absorption. This type of coating prevails in the gas and oil pipelines and powerplants.

Powder Coating:

This finish takes the use of a powdered paint that is derived from special resins, pigments and filers... Hence, the name "Powder Coating". The dry particles, when electrostatically charged, attract paint particles to the steel's surface, and the charge holds them in place when cured under extreme temperatures. Its popularity can be credited to its low cost and impact resistance. There are quite a number of colour choices available and this coating is preferred for aesthetic purposes.

Metal Plating:

In this method, a chemical bath with a light layer of nickel coats the steel. This is done so as to improve the durability, aesthetic appearance and resistance to general damage, but one has to note that metal plating does not improve the defects of the surface of the steel.

The benefits of using industrial stainless-steel coatings, are, however, quite a few, like, resistance to oxidation, weather, rust and wear and tear. Coatings provide a large array of advantages. Some or as listed.

Restoration and Repair:

Coating is a method that on several cases beneficial to the repair of worn and battered components, as it does not add much cost, and so, the parts need not be replaced. Due to the fact that these coatings can be applied on the location, much time is saved.

Coating Worn Components:

Coating materials that share properties, proves to be an effective method to elevate the steel to its original condition, and restoration of the quality and condition are so good, that they can be restored to be almost brand new.

Application to New Parts:

Coating isn't just for worn out parts. Coating is applied on brand new components so as to increase the durability and performance during its lifetime. Obviously, this reduces the risk of wear and tear, and the need for replacement is minimized as well. It provides greater product durability and greater resistance to damage.

Akshay harish S