Post-treatment, markings and surface treatments

Post-treatment

Deburring by drumming

In drumming the piece is placed into a drum with small abrasive pieces such as pellets or aluminum stones. The vibration of the drum keeps the piece moving, causing the abrasives to remove the unevenness and sharp cutting edges, i.e., the burrs formed during machining.

Glass bead blasting

Glass bead blasting obtains a clear and shiny surface. Glass beads do not damage inflatable objects and are also suitable for quite gentle cleaning.

Silicon carbide blasting

The hardness and edgy shape of silicon carbide makes it a very effective blowing agent.

Ultrasonic cleaning

In ultrasonic cleaning, the piece is immersed in washing fluid, to which ultrasonic frequency vibration is fed at the same time. The method removes even the smallest impurities and is well-suited for cleaning medical devices and electronics, for example.

Laser marking and engraving

Laser marking

Laser marking is an inexpensive and quick way to mark parts and instruments. The marking made with a laser is resistant to wear, abrasion and weather changes. A laser can be used to implement markings of all sizes accurately and in a detailed manner.

Laser marking can be used for individual pieces and large series. It is suitable for various surfaces and materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium and coated metals, as well as plastic. Color patterns for stainless steel can also be made with laser.

Engraving

We perform engraving by milling. The engraving takes more time than laser marking because it requires programming the CNC milling machine.

Engraving is best suited for large series. It is suitable for various surfaces and materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium and coated metals, as well as plastic.

Versatile surface treatments

Surface treatments can affect, for example, the corrosion resistance of the piece, its mechanical properties, electrical conductivity or aesthetic appearance.

Mectalent has a comprehensive subcontracting network through which the desired surface treatment is obtained in the machined parts. Below are examples of our provision:

Anodizing

Anodizing is a surface treatment of metals that increases the natural corrosion resistance and life of the material. Anodizing uses an electric current to form a protective oxide coating on the surface of the metal, making the surface hard and wear resistant.

Hard anodizing

In hard anodizing, a layer of oxide thicker than in normal anodizing is formed on the surface of the piece.

Alodine coating

Alodine coating is a chemical process used to create a corrosion-resistant oxide barrier for steel, aluminum, zinc, copper and titanium, among others.

Painting

Metal products are painted to prevent their surface from rusting. Painting, corrosion resistance and visual factors are taken into account, on the basis of which the right painting combination and method are selected.

Sterilization

Sterilization destroys any viable microbes in the objects that could cause infections or act as disruptive impurities. Through our partner, sterilization by chemical and physical methods is available.

Heat treatments

Heat treatment is the process of increasing the temperature of a metal piece, resulting in the desired changes in its microstructure and mechanical properties. Heat treatments can affect the hardness, strength, toughness and wear resistance of the piece.

Chromating

Chromating can be performed on light metals and galvanized pieces. During this process, the metal reacts with the components of the coating solution, and a film protecting against oxidation is formed on the surface of the piece. Chromating works well as a pre-treatment before painting.

Chromium plating

Chromium or decorative chromium plating is an electrolytic coating that results in an impressive, corrosion-resistant and hard surface with good sliding properties. Gloss chromium is typically used on top of nickel to prevent oxidation and darkening.

Hard chrome plating

Hard chrome plating (technical chroming) is an electrolytic coating method that results in hard, high-wear resistance as well as a corrosion-resistant and slippery surface. Hard chrome plating is used as a coating for steel, nickel, copper, cast iron or aluminum.

Nitriding

Nitriding is a steel surface treatment method in which nitrogen and often carbon are introduced to the surface of a steel piece at such a low temperature that the steel piece to be treated remains solid during the treatment.

Gold plating

Gold plating works excellently for components that require good corrosion resistance or reflectivity in the infrared area. Gold plating can be made directly on top of most conductive materials.

Silver plating

Silver plating is used as a technical coating mainly due to its good electrical and thermal conductivity, visible light and infrared reflectivity or sliding properties. Silver also has antibacterial properties.

Nickel plating

Nickel plating as a coating increases hardness, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, and improves corrosion resistance. The nickel-clad surface looks pleasant and adds a little shine.

Black oxide coating

Chemical blackening gives the metal surface good corrosion protection and a visually impressive surface, without changing the dimensional accuracy. Black oxide coating is suitable for all the most common steel grades, excluding stainless steel and cast iron.

Teflon coating

Chemically speaking, Teflon coating produces a highly durable, low-friction surface that acts as good electrical insulation, is not based on hydrogen, and is able to withstand high temperatures. The Teflonated surface reduces the adhesion of impurities and is easy to clean. Tefloning provides excellent protection against corrosion and chemicals.

Galvanization

Galvanization refers to coating metal with a zinc layer that protects against corrosion. Methods include electrolytically-operated electrolyting and hot dip galvanizing, in which the part is dipped in molten zinc metal.

Copper plating

A copper coating conducts electricity and heat well. The coating is corrosion-resistant, antibacterial and malleable, and is capable of preventing various pieces from tightly sticking or becoming cold-welded. In addition, copper plating in the acidic bath smooths out scratches and machining marks.

Phosphate conversion coating

Phosphate conversion coating improves the adhesion of the paint film to the metal surface as well as the corrosion resistance of the painted surface. Coating is possible for iron, steel, zinc and galvanized stacks.

Electropolishing

Electropolishing, i.e., electrolytic polishing, is best suited for stainless and acid-resistant steels. The method evens out the unevenness of the surface, which makes the piece almost sterile and contributes to sanitation. Electropolishing also improves the corrosion resistance of the piece.