| Have to find a metal coating? But do not know how | | | | Sometimes those requirements are qualitative: make |
| to start? Or where to look? | | | | it go faster, for example. Other times, coating |
| It can be easy, really. Never mind the challenge is | | | | specifications may be quantitative: a coefficient of |
| daunting for most. Just follow these guidelines. | | | | friction between 0.02 and 0.04. |
| First, what do you want to accomplish? What will you | | | | When searching for a metal coating, you must |
| gain by coating your metal surface? Is the | | | | choose between two goals: |
| environment static? Or, are there moving parts, | | | | 1) Enhance the performance properties of your work |
| surface dynamics requiring other performance | | | | piece or, |
| attributes? | | | | 2) Replace the performance properties of your work |
| Consider the failure mode. What is lost by not | | | | piece. |
| including a metal coating? Is it wear? Do you see | | | | Coating processes vary: Plating. Anodize. Thermal |
| corrosion? Are there performance issues relating to | | | | spray. Vapor deposition. Topical coatings, like epoxy |
| friction or sticking? | | | | or Teflon or dry film lubricants. Thin film. Thick film. |
| And what about your metal work piece? Is it | | | | Consider feasibility. How large is your work piece? |
| compatible with your protective coating? Not all | | | | How complex or accessible are surfaces requiring |
| metals are alike. Benefits in their machining or | | | | coating coverage? Will you require FDA compliance or |
| intended use may not be ideal for a coating process | | | | bio-compatible materials? |
| that requires heat or mechanical impact. Adverse | | | | Whether your industry is food processing or medical, |
| effects can include loss of geometric or dimensional | | | | electronics or machining, automotive or aerospace - |
| stability, or diminished mechanical properties. | | | | be sure to share your requirements with your metal |
| Product designers and equipment manufacturers | | | | coating supplier. Tell them what you want. Share your |
| know exactly the performance they need. | | | | concerns. And start surface engineering for success! |