Premium Surface Finishing Including Anodizing, Plating, and Powder Coating

Importance of Surface Finishing

Premium surface finishes significantly impact product longevity and performance, including:

• Enhanced corrosion resistance (exceeding 500 hours salt-spray per ASTM B117)

• Increased wear and abrasion resistance (per ASTM D4060 standard)

• Improved aesthetics with consistent surface appearance and color uniformity

• Electrical conductivity or insulation as per application requirements

• Compliance with stringent environmental standards, including RoHS and REACH directives

Manufacturers can significantly improve product reliability and market competitiveness by choosing advanced finishing techniques.

Anodizing: Enhanced Aluminum Surface Protection

Anodizing is an electrolytic passivation process applied to aluminum components, creating a robust oxide layer.

Technical Specifications:

• Standard compliance: MIL-A-8625, ISO 7599

• Typical thickness: Type II anodizing (10–25 µm), Type III (Hard anodizing, 25–75 µm)

• Corrosion resistance: 336–1000 hours salt-spray test per ASTM B117

• Abrasion resistance: hardness up to 65–70 Rockwell C equivalent

• Color and finish options: clear, black, blue, red, gold, matte, and gloss are available

Common Applications:

• Aerospace components requiring high wear resistance

• Automotive and motorcycle parts are exposed to environmental stress

• Electronics housings and heat sinks demand thermal management

Electroplating: Precision and Durability

Electroplating involves depositing a thin metal layer onto the component surface, enhancing its properties and appearance.

Technical Specifications:

• Standard compliance: ASTM B733 (nickel plating), ASTM B456 (chrome plating)

• Common plating materials: nickel, chrome, zinc, copper, silver, gold

• Thickness control: precision layers ranging from 5–50 µm (typical thickness ±2 µm)

• Corrosion resistance: zinc plating up to 720 hours salt-spray per ASTM B117

• Conductivity: silver plating conductivity approximately 106% IACS (ASTM B700)

Common Applications:

• Electrical connectors and contacts requiring superior conductivity

• Automotive trim and fittings requiring decorative chrome finishing

• Industrial components demanding high corrosion resistance (zinc/nickel plating)

Powder Coating: Durable and Environmentally Friendly Finish

Powder coating is a dry finishing process offering durability, chemical resistance, and visual appeal.

Technical Specifications:

• Standard compliance: ASTM D3451, ASTM D523 (gloss), ASTM D3363 (hardness)

• Typical thickness: 60–100 µm, uniform application (±10 µm)

• Impact resistance: passes ASTM D2794 standard tests without chipping

• Corrosion resistance: typically 500–1000 hours salt-spray resistance (ASTM B117)

• Environmental standards: fully compliant with RoHS, VOC-free, solvent-free

Common Applications:

• Consumer appliances, outdoor furniture, automotive wheels

• Metal enclosures for industrial and electronic equipment

• Construction hardware and architectural elements requiring UV stability

Our Surface Finishing Capabilities

Neway offers comprehensive finishing solutions under one roof, integrated with our die casting, CNC machining, and assembly operations. This integrated capability significantly streamlines production schedules, reducing lead times by up to 25–30%.

Additional Surface Treatment Options:

• Sand blasting: achieving surface cleanliness and preparation per SSPC-SP 5 and SSPC-SP 10 standards

• Tumbling: providing uniform deburring and smoothing to Ra 0.8–1.6 µm surface roughness

• Arc anodizing (Arc anodizing): specialized anodizing for improved dielectric properties and enhanced corrosion resistance

Industry-Compliant Quality Assurance

Our stringent quality assurance systems ensure every finished component meets rigorous industry standards:

• Continuous SPC monitoring, ensuring coating thickness uniformity within ±5%

• Salt-spray testing per ASTM B117 standards, guaranteeing corrosion resistance benchmarks

• Surface hardness tests (ASTM D3363 pencil hardness test) and adhesion tests (ASTM D3359)

• Full batch traceability documentation, RoHS, REACH, and ISO 9001 compliance reports

Case Study: Automotive Die Cast Components

An automotive OEM required premium surface finishing for aluminum die cast engine covers:

• Process chosen: Type II anodizing (20 µm thickness) with black dye, MIL-A-8625 compliant

• Corrosion resistance: exceeded 500-hour salt-spray standard per ASTM B117

• Coating uniformity: thickness controlled within ±2 µm over 250,000 units annually

• Result: significantly enhanced aesthetics, corrosion protection, and prolonged part lifecycle, reducing warranty claims by 15%

Why Partner with Neway?

Conclusion

Premium surface finishing is a cornerstone of quality manufacturing, directly influencing performance, appearance, and durability. At Neway, our anodizing, plating, and powder coating capabilities ensure your products achieve superior standards, exceed customer expectations, and deliver long-term reliability.

Partner with Neway for precision, compliance, and quality in every finished component.

FAQs

1. What is the typical lead time for anodizing, plating, and powder coating services at Neway?

2. Can Neway provide customized color matching and finishes according to specific brand standards?

3. What quality assurance measures are used to ensure coating thickness and uniformity?

4. Does Neway’s surface finishing process comply with international environmental standards like RoHS and REACH?

5. What is the durability and corrosion resistance performance of the different surface finishes offered by Neway?