The metal finishing industry has several green options that work well and also protect the environment. Read on for some environmentally friendly metal finishing options.
Anodising
Anodising creates a hard-wearing finish by changing the surface of the metal through controlled oxidation. This process becomes part of the metal itself, so it won’t peel or chip, and it works well on aluminium, titanium and magnesium. From an environmental point of view, anodising uses no harmful heavy metals or VOCs and meets all environmental regulations.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is a dry process that doesn’t require any solvents. It works by applying powder with an electrostatic charge and then heating it up to form a protective layer. This method is environmentally friendly because it uses safe raw materials and produces no harmful compounds. Unused powder can be collected and reused, and the process also reduces energy costs through lower emissions. Zinc nickel plating is another coating method, like the examples seen at www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/zinc-nickel-alloy-plating, and it can be used on brass, copper and steel to protect it and make it more durable.
Physical Vapour Deposition
PVD is an alternative to traditional electroplating, which has always been a problem for the environment. The PVD process vaporises solid material in a vacuum and then deposits it as a coating on the surface of a metal. This technique uses no hazardous materials and doesn’t create any harmful waste during the application. It results in a hard-wearing finish that meets high environmental standards.
Industry Changes
The metal finishing industry has changed in its approach to environmental concerns. Manufacturers now know that sustainable processes are good for the planet, and they’re also good for business. Customers are also demanding more environmentally friendly options without wanting to reduce the quality or performance of the metal.
These green finishing methods are the future of the industry because they balance the technical requirements of metal finishing with environmental responsibility. As regulations become stricter and customer awareness continues to grow, there will be more changes in environmentally friendly metal finishing techniques.
