Factors to consider when choosing different types of surface finishing
Corrosion Resistance | Coating Thickness | Abrasion Resistance | |
Powder Coating | · Corrosion resistance depends on type of material used and pre-treatment process · Surface must be pre-treated before powder coat or part will be at risk of corrosion and adhesion issues · Chips or incomplete coverage adds to risk of corrosion | · Can range from 70 to 150μm · Thicker than traditional liquid paint · Improves appearance · Various colors and textures available | · Heat cured finish · Material composition and pre-treatment may have enhanced abrasion resistance · Creates a hard finish that resists abrasion well |
E-Coating | · Good corrosion resistance · Provides physical and chemical barrier to corrosion | · Typically 12 to 30μm but can be more · Often used to increase surface thickness · Thickness of application is uniform | · Good durability · Heat cured finish · Good longevity |
Zinc Plating | · Provides physical barrier to corrosion · Acts as a sacrificial anode to prevent corrosion · Parts can sustain minor damage and remain corrosion resistant | · Can range from 5 to 25μm · If use as an undercoat for other finishes, poor adhesion · Best for detailed surfaces and not heavy-duty applications | · Very strong finish · Highly durable to abrasion |
Geomet | · Provides barrier resistance to corrosion · Creates passivation effect on surface | · Between 5 to 7.6μm · Can be used under a painted finish | · Mid abrasion resistance · Electrically conductive finish · Good resistance to chemicals, organics, heat, salt |
Anodizing | · Good corrosion resistance · Commonly used for saltwater or marine environments | · Ranges from 0.5 to 150μm | · Hard, wear resistant finish · Often used for parts that come in frequent contact with other material |
Passivation | · Good corrosion resistance through an inert, oxide layer | · The process removes free iron from the surface leaving a thin and transparent oxide film | · Does not change durability or abrasion resistance |
Galvanized Dipped | · Provides barrier resistance to corrosion · Acts as a sacrificial anode to prevent corrosion | · At more than 254μm the finish is prone to flaking · Poor appearance · Can adjust thickness of finish to accommodate needs | · Often used in harsh environments because of durability · Good abrasion resistance · Good durability and longevity · Surface damage can result in corrosion |
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