Post Processings

This subtractive manufacturing process is used to reduce roughness and create a gloss. To achieve this, the component is processed using direct current. The advantages of this process include the absence of mechanical or thermal stress.

In addition, electropolishing can be used for many sizes and shapes, and material can be removed even in complex areas. Suitable materials: All metals

This finishing process can strengthen the surfaces of metallic components and meet visual requirements. The glass beads, which usually have a diameter of 0.2 to 2.5 millimetres, are applied to the surface under high pressure.

This type of finishing is gentle on the material and produces a matt-glossy surface. However, it is important to seal the components beforehand to prevent rust and blooming. Suitable materials: Selected metals

Slide grinding (barrel finishing) is a special grinding process that is particularly suitable for small metal parts. The components are placed in a container together with abrasive media and an additive (compound).

The surfaces are processed with high uniformity and reproducibility by rotation, vibration or dragging. Suitable materials: All metals and plastics

Galvanizing is an electrochemical method used to apply metal coatings to workpieces. Before galvanizing, it is important to prepare the workpiece for the process, i.e. to grind, polish and clean the surfaces.

In the galvanization process, the workpiece serves as the cathode and the material for the metal coating as the anode. By converting electrolytes into metal ions, an even coating can be achieved on the workpiece by depositing the metal ions on it.

Galvanizing can be used for corrosion protection as well as for changing the appearance and technical properties of the workpiece. Suitable materials: All metals and plastics

During annealing, the workpiece is heated to a certain temperature, held there and then slowly cooled. The aim of this heat treatment is to change various properties of the workpiece, such as strength and toughness.

In addition, better flexibility and machinability are often achieved. Suitable materials: Selected metals

Curing is a manufacturing process in which a component is heated to a high temperature in order to specifically change its structure. After the workpiece has been held in the new shape for a certain period of time, it is quickly cooled down.

As a result, the workpiece becomes harder and stronger. The three most important curing processes are transformation curing, precipitation curing and work curing.

Similar to hard chrome plating, hard anodizing is always used when the highest possible wear resistance is required. With hard anodizing, the oxide layer of the aluminium becomes even thicker and more resistant than with normal anodizing, and is similar to comparable but significantly more cost-intensive steel workpieces with equivalent properties.

Hard anodizing can therefore compensate for deficits in the material and increase quality in a cost-effective manner. Suitable materials: Aluminium

Varnishing is one of the most important additive finishing processes for coating workpieces. The varnish can be applied for industrial purposes using different processes.

The four most important processes are electrical spraying, mechanical spraying, casting, rolling and dipping. The varnish used consists of different compositions and can be adapted depending on the area of application.

Basically, it consists of binders, pigments, solvents and thinners, fillers and additives. The latter in particular are very flexible and can be adapted to the requirements of hardness, color and gloss, for example.

Before a workpiece can be coated, a suitable surface must first be created. This is possible in combination with chemical and mechanical cleaning. The possible applications of varnishing are almost unlimited and cover all industries.

Suitable materials: All metals and plastics

Phosphating is a chemical surface treatment in which the cleaned metal workpiece is coated with a phosphate liquid. The chemical reaction between the metal and the phosphate solution creates a highly resistant conversion layer that provides good corrosion protection and also improves the sliding and adhesive properties.

Phosphating is often used to prepare a workpiece for further surface treatments such as varnishing, as varnishing achieves significantly better results on phosphated surfaces. Suitable materials: Selected metals