What is surface finishing?
Surface finishing consists of a wide array of finishes. Surface finishing alters the surface of a particular substance to improve appearance or functionality. Many surfaces are finished for economic reasons – to improve wearability (lifetime), conserve natural resources, or improve performance.

Virtually all manufactured durable goods have passed through one type of surface finishing process or another. Surface finishing protects many products against corrosion and everyday wear. Surface finishing may also be used to enhance functional properties such as temperature resistance, insulation or conductivity, solderability, light reflectivity or absorption, and magnetism / non-magnetism. A product may also be finished to reduce toxicity.

We all use products that are surface finished for beauty. Jewelry, perfume bottles, automotive components, to name a few, all become more appealing as a result of this process.

Industry
The surface finishing industry is primarily comprised of more than 4,000 job-shop firms across the United States. Most businesses are small – generating approximately $1,400,000 in revenue annually and employing between 15 and 20 people. However, many manufacturers (8,000) also have their own surface finishing facilities in house.

Recent trends to outsource are beginning to emerge as a result of increasing safety and environmental concerns and the high cost associated with starting up and operating operations at less than capacity.

Environment
Because so many products pass through one surface finishing process or another, these operations consume large amounts of energy. The industry is concerned about the environment and our future and has begun many voluntary initiatives such as the Strategic Goals Program to improve processes, reduce pollution, and conserve our precious natural resources.

Some Industries Served:
Automotive, Airline, Communications, Computer and Business Equipment, Construction Hardware, Defense, Electrical Components, Food, Furniture, Household Appliances, Jewelry, Medical, Motorcycle / Bicycle Components, Oil Drilling Equipment, Pharmaceuticals, Sporting Equipment, Steel Mill Products, Tool & Die, Toys

Electroplating – Decorative and functional finishes
Electroplating is an electrochemical process that is used to deposit a metallic finish on metal or plastic by immersing it in an electronically charged solution. Electroplated finishes may be bright or satin, decorative or functional depending on the application.