🔹 1. Heat Treatments
Used to alter the mechanical properties of metals (hardness, toughness, ductility, etc.) through controlled heating and cooling.
Annealing – Softens the metal, relieves internal stresses, improves machinability.
Normalizing – Refines grain structure and improves uniformity in carbon steel.
Hardening (Quenching) – Increases hardness by rapid cooling after heating.
Tempering – Reduces brittleness after hardening while maintaining strength.
Case Hardening (Carburizing) – Hardens the surface while keeping the core tough.
Nitriding – Introduces nitrogen into the surface for increased wear resistance.
Induction Hardening – Surface hardening through localized heating and rapid cooling.
🔹 2. Surface Treatments & Coatings
Applied to improve surface characteristics such as corrosion resistance, appearance, electrical conductivity, or wear resistance.
Electropolishing –
An electrochemical process that smooths, polishes, and passivates the surface of stainless steel and other metals.
✔ Removes micro-burrs
✔ Improves corrosion resistance and surface finish
✔ Common in medical, food, and pharmaceutical industries
SurTec 650 (Chromate Conversion Coating) –
A chromium(VI)-free passivation process for aluminum and aluminum alloys.
✔ Complies with RoHS, REACH, and MIL-DTL-81706 standards
✔ Provides excellent corrosion protection
✔ Ideal as a pre-treatment before powder coating or painting
✔ Used in aerospace, electronics, and automotive industries
Zinc Plating (Electrogalvanizing) –
Thin zinc layer applied for corrosion protection; can be clear, yellow, black, or olive chromated.
Phosphate Coating –
Used to improve wear resistance and paint adhesion, often as a base for further coatings.
Anodizing –
Electrochemical treatment for aluminum that thickens the natural oxide layer for corrosion resistance and coloring.
Powder Coating –
Electrostatic application of dry powder paint, then cured in an oven for a durable finish.
Painting (Wet Coating) –
Liquid-based protective or decorative coating, applied by spray or dip methods.
Black Oxide –
A conversion coating for steel that provides mild corrosion resistance and a black appearance.
Nickel or Chrome Plating –
Electroplated metal coatings for wear resistance, aesthetics, and corrosion protection.
