DLC coating is short for Diamond-Like Carbon coating. It is a skinny layer of carbon-based material that shares some traits with natural diamonds. It’s a coating made from carbon atoms. These atoms are arranged in a way that mimics a diamond. This coating is applied to a part’s surface to make it harder, smoother, and more resistant to wear.

Salt spray testing, also known as salt fog testing, is a method used for corrosion testing. It exposes metal parts to a fine mist of saltwater solution inside a controlled chamber. The goal is to create an accelerated corrosive environment. This test helps evaluate how coatings, platings, and surface treatments withstand harsh conditions.

Titanium Nitride (TiN) is a ceramic coating. It has a metallic gold color and is applied to metal surfaces using a vacuum. The coating is skinny—just a few microns—but tough.

TiN forms a strong outer layer that resists wear, heat, and corrosion. It sticks well to metals like steel, titanium, and carbide. This makes it useful for cutting tools, molds, and medical devices.

Anodizing aluminum is an electrochemical process that increases the natural oxide layer on the surface of aluminum. The aluminum is immersed in an acid electrolyte solution during anodizing, and an electric current is passed through it. This causes the aluminum to react with the solution, forming an oxide layer much thicker than the natural oxide.

Surface grinding is a machining process that creates smooth, flat surfaces on metal parts. It uses a rotating grinding wheel to remove material in small amounts. This method gives parts better dimensional accuracy and surface finish.

It is often used in toolmaking, diework, and precision manufacturing. Surface grinders vary in size and capability, so selecting the right one depends on part size, material type, and finish needs.

Chrome plating is a finishing process that applies a thin layer of chromium onto a metal surface using electroplating. The process creates a bright, reflective finish while adding hardness, durability, and corrosion resistance to the base material.

Sheet metal grinding is a finishing process that removes material from metal surfaces using abrasive wheels or belts. This technique creates smooth finishes, removes burrs, and prepares surfaces for coating. The process works by applying an abrasive material against the metal with controlled pressure and movement.

Electroplating adds a thin layer of metal onto a surface using electricity. It enhances appearance, prevents corrosion, and improves wear resistance. On the other hand, anodizing creates a protective oxide layer on metals like aluminum. It boosts durability and allows for color dyeing. Each method has its strengths, depending on your project goals.

Sandblasting, also known as abrasive blasting, involves propelling abrasive particles at high velocities against a surface to clean, smooth, or shape it. This method effectively removes contaminants, old coatings, and rust while creating a uniform texture on the surface.

Metal marking refers to the various methods used to create permanent identifiers on metal surfaces. These identifiers can include serial numbers, logos, barcodes, and other critical information that helps track and manage products throughout their lifecycle.

Both dry and wet etching serve distinct purposes in material processing. Dry etching uses plasma or vapor-phase etchants to remove material through chemical reactions or physical bombardment. Wet etching relies on liquid chemical solutions to dissolve target materials through oxidation and dissolution processes.

Both brushed and polished stainless steel offer distinct advantages for specific applications. Brushed finishes excel in high-traffic areas where scratch resistance matters, while polished surfaces deliver superior corrosion resistance and a mirror-like appearance perfect for decorative applications.

Electrochemical machining (ECM) represents an advanced, non-conventional manufacturing process that removes metal through controlled electrochemical dissolution. The method operates like electroplating in reverse, using electrical current to dissolve and remove material from a workpiece.

Dacromet coating combines zinc flakes, aluminum powder, and inorganic compounds in a water-based solution. This advanced coating system forms a multi-layered barrier through a precise dip-spin application process followed by high-temperature curing.

Sheet metal finishing enhances both the appearance and functionality of metal parts. The right finish prevents rust, increases wear resistance and creates an attractive surface texture. Modern finishing techniques like powder coating, anodizing, and plating deliver reliable protection while meeting precise aesthetic requirements.

Surface roughness defines how smooth or textured a manufactured part’s surface is at the microscopic level. Manufacturers can meet strict quality standards, optimize part performance, and reduce production costs by measuring and controlling surface roughness. A well-specified surface finish prevents premature wear, improves aesthetics, and ensures proper part function.