Different Types of Steel Finishes & How To Choose The Right One

Apr 17, 2023

If your business manufactures or sells steel products, then you already know the importance of having a metal finish. But do you know what type of finish would be best for the particular product? Do you know the factors to weigh to help determine the best finish? In this post, we'll cover the different types of steel finishes and how to ensure that you're choosing the best one for your metal product. Here's a closer look at what you need to know:


Alloy Steel: What You Need to Know



Steel products by themselves have always been durable, but what if such products could be manufactured to be even harder, more durable, and more resistant to corrosion? That's where alloying elements come into the picture.


Alloying elements being added to steel products have roots that date back to the 1820s, with the first commercial alloy steel coming in 1868 when tungsten was successfully added to improve its overall hardness. As research and development improved over time, so too did the understanding of how armaments and mixes of alloying elements influenced the end steel product. The most common alloy steels today include those that include:

  • Chromium
  • Cobalt
  • Molybdenum
  • Nickel
  • Tungsten
  • Vanadium
  • Brass
  • Carbon Steel


Types of Steel Metal Finishes


Steel metal finishes are applied to help improve part performance and aesthetics. There are various types of finishes that you can administer on a particular product or part. Here's a look at some of the most common finishes:

  • Phosphating: A common metal finishing process that enhances corrosion resistance and lubricity while also creating a foundation for paint or more coatings. Phosphate coating consists of applying a dilute solution of phosphate salts and phosphoric acid to the surface of the steel part.
  • Electroplating: This finishing method involves depositing a metal or metal alloy onto the part surface to create a thin coating. Some of the most common materials used in the electroplating process include brass, copper, gold, iron, silver, titanium, and zinc.
  • Powder Coating: This finishing method involves administering a dry powder onto the metal product. It's typically administered electrostatically. End products tend to offer enhanced durability and also often stand up better to chemicals, moisture, and UV light.


Benefits of Surface Finishes For Steel & Steel Alloys


As we said earlier in this post, surface finishes for steel and steel alloys are typically applied to enhance durability and improve aesthetics. Outside of these two main benefits, other benefits include:

  • Enhanced chemical resistance, which is an important trait for products that need to operate in demanding environments.
  • Abrasion resistance.
  • UV protection.
  • Creating a surface that makes it easier for subsequent coatings or paints to adhere to.


How To Choose The Best Steel Finish Option


How do you choose the best steel finish option for your part run? There are a number of factors that should be weighed. For instance:

  • What are your end goals for the part? For example, if enhanced chemical resistance is a necessity, you'll want to select a finishing method that can help the part achieve this.
  • How precise do the tolerances need to be? Phosphating, for example, is typically deployed when high-end, precision-machined steel parts are required.
  • What industry is the part for? From aerospace to automotive, medical to firearms to electronics and industrial, parts created for various industries have different requirements.


Need more help deciding on a finish? It's always best to work with a qualified, professional firm that can understand your specific needs and suggest the best finishing option. Contact Light Metals Coloring for more information and for assistance with your next part run.


Light Metals Coloring's Steel Finishing Services


Light Metals Coloring is an industry leader in providing high-end finishing solutions in industries that range from automotive and aerospace to consumer electronics. At LMC, our state-of-the-art manganese phosphate coating process is designed to create high-end steel parts via immersion. We can also work to meet the Mil-DTL-16232 phosphating specification. Contact us today to learn more.


Contact Light Metals Coloring


For more information on the different types of steel finishes that are administered and for help in selecting the right one, contact Light Metals Coloring today. At LMC, we work to become a true extension of our customer's business – and this involves working with our partners to truly understand the product and suggest the best finishing option to meet their end goals. Contact us today for more information.


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When it comes to workplace safety, few companies can match our dedication and achievements at Light Metals Coloring . At LMC, we have made safety our number one priority and continue to work tirelessly to create a safe environment for our employees. In this blog post, we will explore our impressive safety record, our strong safety culture, and the comprehensive steps we take to ensure a secure workplace. Moreover, we will examine how our safety initiatives align with our sustainability goals, demonstrating that safety and sustainability go hand in hand. Impressive Safety Track Record: One of the standout aspects of our commitment to safety is our remarkable safety track record. Over the years, we have consistently maintained a low dart rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred) compared to industry standards . As of today, we are proud to report a dart rate of zero. This statistic showcases our dedication to preventing accidents and ensuring that our employees can work in a secure environment. By implementing safety protocols, providing regular training, and fostering a culture of accountability, we have been able to reduce workplace incidents significantly. Our exceptional safety performance demonstrates our commitment to protecting our employees’ well-being. Strong Safety Culture: At LMC, safety is not just a slogan; it is deeply ingrained in our company’s values and operations. We foster a safety culture that involves everyone, from top-level management to front-line workers. Our employees are actively encouraged to identify and address potential hazards, making safety a shared responsibility. Open communication, reporting of near-miss incidents, and recognition of safety achievements create a supportive environment where employees feel valued for their efforts to maintain a safe workplace. Steps We Take to Ensure a Safe Workplace: We leave no stone unturned when it comes to creating a safe place to work. We have implemented a range of measures to mitigate risks and promote a secure environment. One of the primary steps we take is to provide rigorous training programs for all employees. These programs ensure that our employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle their tasks safely. From proper handling of chemicals to operating machinery, our employees receive thorough training tailored to their specific roles. Additionally, we conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations . These proactive measures allow us to address any safety concerns promptly, preventing accidents before they occur. Through continuous investment in employee training and regular safety checks, we exhibit our commitment to maintaining a safe environment. Revolutionizing Workplace Safety: The automated racking and anodizing machine designed for use at LMC has revolutionized the way we handle heavy loads, eliminating the lifting of thousands of pounds each day. This groundbreaking technology has created a much safer workplace environment by reducing the risk of lifting-related and repetitive-motion injuries. By automating the anodizing process, the machine eliminates the need for manual lifting, which can put immense strain on the human body. Our employees no longer have to bear the physical burden of heavy loads, minimizing the risk of back injuries, strains, and other musculoskeletal issues. Notably, the introduction of automation does not result in job loss; instead, it creates more opportunities for workers. Our employees are now able to focus on higher-skilled tasks, such as monitoring the machine’s operation, quality control, and process optimization. By combining automation with skilled labor, we ensure a safer workplace while simultaneously enhancing job prospects and employee satisfaction. Connecting Safety to Sustainability: We recognize the natural link between safety and sustainability. By prioritizing safety, we not only protect our workforce but also contribute to long-term sustainability goals. A safe work environment reduces accidents, injuries, and related downtime, leading to increased productivity and operational efficiency. This, in turn, minimizes waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact, promoting a sustainable future. Our commitment to safety extends beyond the immediate well-being of our employees. It encompasses our dedication to being an environmentally responsible organization. Conclusion: At LMC, our constant dedication to safety sets us apart as an industry leader in workplace safety. Through our impressive safety track record, strong safety culture, and comprehensive safety measures, we have created a secure and safe environment for our employees. By connecting safety to sustainability, we exemplify how a company can prioritize the well-being of its workforce while contributing to a sustainable future. As we continue to raise the bar for safety standards, we hope to inspire other organizations to follow suit, making workplaces safer and more sustainable for all.
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