Sheet metal finishing is the last phase in the manufacturing process that provides aesthetics as well as ecological safeguards. Additionally, it is used to remove surface roughness on parts that must mate or seal in order to reduce it beyond the limits of machining processes.

It also covers techniques for descaling, deburring, and cleaning metal. In short, a variety of metal finishing procedures are used for a range of goals.

The following article covers some important finishing techniques as well as applications and factors to take into account when selecting a metal finishing procedure. The following are a few of the general benefits of metal finishing treatments:

• Enhanced electrical conductivity
• Greater electrical resistance
• More chemical resistance
• Greater tarnish resistance
• Increased durability
• Improved visual appeal

This article will provide information on the Top 10 Sheet Metal Finishing Types in the US based on annual revenue.

Based on recently released public sales statistics, we have gathered information on the top metal finishing providers in the U.S. below. The table additionally provides the name of the business, its location, the year it was founded, and its size according to the number of employees.

Top U.S Suppliers of Metal Finishing Based on Annual Revenue

Position	Company Name	Year Established	City	State	Zip	Employee Size	Sales Volume
1	MetoKote Corp.	1969	Cedar Falls	IA	50613	1000+	$15,374,000,000
2	Valmont Coatings, a Division of Valmont Industries (VMI)	1951	Omaha	NE	68154	1000+	$2,757,144,000
3	Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies	1923	Paramus	NJ	07652	1000+	$2,411,835,000
4	Precision Industries, Inc.	1966	Valdosta	GA	31601	50-99	$962,092,000
5	Precoat Metals	1961	Saint Louis	MO	63103	50-99	$489,790,931
6	Kuntz Electroplating, Inc.	–	Kitchener	ON	N2C1J1	500-999	$59,855,500
7	A & A Global Industries	1939	Hunt Valley	MD	21030	200-499	$51,944,678
8	Perfection Plating, Inc.	1968	Elk Grove Village	IL	60007	100-199	$50,000,000
9	Precision Plating Company Inc.	1904	Chicago	IL	60646	100-199	$49,999,999
10	Elm Plating Co.	1950	Jackson	MI	49203	200-499	$49,999,999

10 Types of Sheet Metal Finishing in the US

Some of the various finishing processes are listed below:

Rough or Raw Finish

This kind of sheet metal surface finish happens when the finished product receives no finishing. If the base material is already suitable for the location in which it will be used, a raw finish (also known as a rough finish) is usually used.

For example, stainless steel sheet metals are sometimes used outdoors since they are resistant to corrosion and don’t need any additional polishing.

Raw finishing includes equipment in pharmaceutical and chemical factories, jewelry, air conditioners, and automobile designs.

Electroplating

The process of electroplating, commonly referred to as electrodeposition, is used to finish sheets of metal. It involves covering the sheet metal’s surface with a second layer of metal (the substrate metal).

Typically, a thin metal shell surrounds a lighter or less expensive substrate metal. Gold-plated watches, silver-plated teapots, and chrome-electroplated faucets are common examples of items with this style of finishing.

Bead Blasting

Bead-blasting sheet metal coatings are less aggressive than sandblasting. Sand or glass beads are used in bead blasting to produce a matte finish. It is generally used to remove imperfections and tooling marks. Therefore, a more even and visually pleasant surface is achieved. This is typical of flooring, cabinetry, and automotive finishes.

Anodizing

Anodizing is a sheet metal surface finish procedure that uses an electrochemical process to make the surface corrosion-resistant. It changes the sheet metal’s surface into an extremely thin yet incredibly resilient oxide. Anodizing is a popular sheet metal finishing technique used on mechanical parts and automobile finishes. It can also be broken down into three categories:

• Type I: Chromic acid is used in this kind to provide a thin, highly corrosion-resistant coating.
• Type II: Sulfuric acid, rather than chromic acid, produces a finish that is long-lasting and incredibly corrosion-resistant.
• Type III: It creates a thick, corrosion- and wear-resistant metallic finish.

Anodized parts can be found in interior and external construction finishes, bathrooms, doors, windows, and roofs.

Electroless Plating

Electroless plating is also known as auto-catalytic. It covers metal chemically rather than electrically. It is the process of depositing metals on the surface of sheet metal using a reducing chemical bath. It plates the component by producing a catalytic reduction of metal ions. The following are a few of its benefits:

• Forms a smooth layer
• Offers versatility in volume and thickness
• Offers matte, semi-bright, and bright finishes.

Electroless plating is useful for a variety of applications, including brake pistons, pump housings, pipes, injection molds, dies, food molds, and many others.

Powder Coating

Powder coating is an aesthetic method in which a dried powder is applied by spraying on the surface of the sheet metal. The powder coating is made using a mixture of modifiers, pigments, and other components. The sheet metal is then baked to create lengthy molecular chains and cross-link density. Industrial and home products frequently employ this kind of finishing.

Phosphate Coating

Phosphate coating is often referred to as phosphatization. It is mostly applied to steel items via a chemical process, where a thin adherent layer results in good adhesion and durability against corrosion.

The coating is made of zinc, iron, or manganese phosphates. The finished item looks grey or black and is often found in the automobile sector.

Electropolishing

An electrical current is used to remove metal ions from a metal part in this method. It makes surfaces bright and smooth, which reduces cleaning time, increases corrosion resistance, eliminates peaks and valleys, and gets rid of trash. The food and drinks, medical, automotive, appliance, and furniture sectors can all benefit from electropolishing.

Buffing and polishing

Buff polishing is the second last step used to polish and clean the sheet metal’s surface. It allows the use of a machine with a fabric wheel.

Additionally, many manufacturers use it to produce a polished and aesthetically pleasing decorative look. This kind of finishing is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Abrasive Blasting

Abrasive blasting is a process that uses high-propulsion equipment to spray an abrasive substance over the surface of sheet metal. Surface finishing and cleaning work together to save time and money.

It can also be applied as a surface preparation procedure prior to coating, plating, or painting.  Automotive, engraving, construction, and other sectors use this finishing.

Conclusion

The production of metal items requires specific sheet metal finishing techniques for each type of sheet metal. It benefits not only end users but also the manufacturer if properly managed.

However, failing to use the techniques properly could have long-term effects on both sides. It is important that you fully understand both the limits of the metal polishing process and the specifications of the final product.