At R&S Plating, our experienced team of professionals provides a variety of high-quality custom metal finishes. We’ve been in this business since 1946, so we know a thing or two about Indiana metal finishing. We love offering our expertise to help individuals and businesses find the perfect metal finish to meet their needs. Our Indiana Metal Finishing experts offer a broad range of services, everything from hard chrome plating and black zinc plating to passivation and white layer removal. Whatever metal finishing project you have in mind, just give us a call at 317-925-2396 to discuss the details.
What Is Indiana Metal Finishing?
Metal finishing is a broad term used to describe the process of coating the surface of an object in metal. The most common method of metal finishing is electroplating. During this process, metal ions are deposited onto the object through an electric current. Sometimes the terms “metal finishing” and “metal plating” are used interchangeably, but the truth is there are multiple methods of metal finishing available.
Benefits of Metal Finishing
There are numerous benefits associated with metal finishing. Just a few of them include:
- Increased Strength – When you add a layer of durable metal to an item, the overall strength of the item is increased. This only applies if you’re using a metal known for its strength, such as chrome or nickel. Softer metals like copper or gold won’t produce this effect.
- More Resistant to Friction – Parts with metal finishing are often used in a variety of industrial settings because they are more resistant to friction than unfinished parts. The metal on the outside of the part bears the force of the friction, saving the part underneath from unnecessary wear and tear.
- Corrosion Resistance – Another way that metal finishing protects the object underneath is by offering corrosion resistance. Because the metal covers the entirety of the item, it’s better protected from the elements and is less likely to rust and deteriorate.
- Enhanced Appearance – Not only does Indiana metal finishing offer protection from friction and the elements, it also improves overall appearance of the product.
- Easier to Clean – With a sleek and smooth surface, items that have been plated with metal are much easier to clean than those without a metal finish.
About Our Indiana Metal Finishing Services
As Indiana metal finishing experts, R&S Plating offers a wide variety of services, including:
Hard Chrome Plating
Hard chrome plating is a popular option because it can minimize friction and improve corrosion resistance at a reasonable cost. It’s also widely used due to its ability to bind to a variety of substrates including brasses, bronzes, stainless, steel, cast irons, and nickel-based alloys.
Zinc Plating
Zinc plating is another popular, inexpensive metal finishing option. Zinc plating offers several advantages over other options including increased lubricity and serving as a good paint base. It also offers excellent protection against corrosion, often better than other metal finishes.
Copper Plating
As an excellent conductor of electricity, copper plating is often used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, electronic circuit boards, and other components. Copper is also appreciated for its ability to firmly adhere to the underlying substrate.
Cadmium Plating
Cadmium metal finishing may be a bit more expensive than other options, but it makes up for the cost by offering superior corrosion resistance. Cadmium is able to endure when other metal finishes fail. Cadmium also serves as a protective sacrificial barrier, absorbing any damage so that the substrate below remains unaffected.
Passivation
Passivation is another widely used metal finishing process. In passivation, a metal oxide coating is applied to the product’s exterior, often as an additional treatment after plating. The purpose of passivation is to protect against corrosion, providing a barrier that will help delay the onset of rust.
And More…
These are just a few of the metal finishing services offered by the experienced technicians at R&S Plating. If you have any questions about our services, we invite you to call us at 317-925-2396 or use our online contact form.
How to Choose the Right Metal Finishing Service
There are a number of factors that go into deciding which metal finishing service is right for you.
For starters, you need to have a clear goal in mind. Do you need a metal finish that will conduct electricity? Is your goal to strengthen the product so that it will resist heat, friction, and corrosion? Or are you simply wanting a metal finish to make the item look better?
Once you have a clear goal in mind, you also need to consider how long it will take to complete the process. If you’re in a hurry to get your product finished, you might be limited on the type of metal finishing that can be used.
Another important factor to take into consideration is the cost. How much are you willing to spend up front? You should also think about the long-term costs. If you opt for a cheaper metal finish now, will it need to be plated again in the near future? Weigh the up-front expenditure against the long-term benefits to find the option that’s right for you.
Our metal finishing experts would be happy to help if you’re not sure exactly what process would serve you best. With our years of experience, we can evaluate your needs and make the appropriate recommendations.
R&S Plating: Your Source for Indiana Metal Finishing
At R&S Plating, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of high-quality metal finishing services. Our techniques are backed by years of experience in the Indiana metal finishing business.
We have countless satisfied customers who can attest to our knowledge, abilities, and commitment to customer service. If you’d like to talk to our metal finishing experts, feel free to phone us at 317-925-2396 or send a message to Andy@RSPlating.com.