Sheet metal finishing plays a vital role in ensuring the quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal of a product matches the expectations of the client. There are a number of ways in which sheet metal finishing can ensure a high-quality outcome of a product at the end of the manufacturing process. In this article we will be covering a few of them.
Improves Surface Quality
Sheet metal finishing can remove sharp edges and smooth irregularities on the surface which not only improves the look but also boosts overall functionality, as better surface quality ensures better alignment with other components during assembly, which is very important for high-quality manufacturing.
Improves Durability and Longevity
Sheet metal finishing processes include plating, galvanizing, powder coating and anodizing. They provide an added layer of protection against corrosion, which in turn extends the lifetime of the product.
Improves Aesthetic Appeal
The final look of a product makes a big difference in terms of saleability and brand image. Applying a correct sheet metal finish is the perfect way to add professionalism and overall neatness. At FSM we offer a variety of surface finishes that can be applied according to what the client desires.
Improves Functional Performance
As we have already spoken briefly about sheet metal finishing helping with improving the appearance of a product, but it can also contribute to better functionality. Plated finishes like chrome, nickel, and a variety of others can reduce friction, increasing operational efficiency with resistance to things such as wear and staining.
Good finishing is also effective for preventing overheating or short-circuiting in electronic or electrical components by improving conductivity.
Improved Safety and Easy Cleaning
Deburring eliminates sharp protrusions and edges that could cause injury to the end user as well as members of the teams who handle the items. Metal products that have had a finish applied are much easier to clean and more durable against harmful chemicals that can cause corrosion over time. The risk of contamination from dust and dirt particles is reduced due to the smoothness of the finished surface.
Improved Cost-Effectiveness
Future maintenance may be reduced as product quality, durability and effectiveness is enhanced as a result of the finishing process. There is likely to be less error during assembly when working with a finished part compared to non-finished, making the whole manufacturing process much more cost-effective.
Customization & Brand identity
With a range of finishing processes available to choose from, customers can enhance their brand identity and make themselves more distinguishable from others. The different types we offer at FSM are powder coating, plating and polishing, and for industries that require specialised finishes such as an anti-reflective/opaque finish, we work with specialised finishing partners who can accommodate this.
As this article makes clear, sheet metal finishing is about a lot more than visual appeal and aesthetics. Applying a finishing process can influence a product’s performance, safety, durability, and quality. This makes it an essential step in manufacturing for ensuring that the product ultimately meets the required standards that the customer expects.
If you would like some guidance to make sure that you are investing in the right finishing process for your product, you can get in touch with us at [email protected] or on 01440 762561.