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General Metal Finish Selection

I work for a company that builds high level motion platforms and flight simulators. I have been tasked to research the numerous types of finishes for steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. I have found a great deal of information on many types of metal finish (painting, powder coating, anodizing, zinc plating, passivating, etc.). Is there a book or tip to know what type of metal finish will work in any situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steven Lansrud
Project Engineer - Orlando, Florida, USA
May 4, 2010

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You did say any advice. #1. I think you should rephrase your question as it applies to your end product and the environment it will be working in. #2. To achieve a good coating on alum parts, you need a good surface prep. For thick coatings the recommendation is abrasive blasting to increase the surface area. For greater life of that coating, a chemical treatment is recommended after blasting. For tight tolerance parts, a much smoother surface is recommended then anodize. There are still many more options.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
May 21, 2010