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