The Guide to Sheet Metal Fabrication Finishes

How do you know which finish is best for your sheet metal fabrication project? Various finishing options are available to enhance the part's appearance, durability, and functionality.

The decision of which finishing process to use hinges on your project requirements, with factors like aesthetics, environmental exposure, and intended use playing significant roles. This guide explores some of the most popular finishes for sheet metal fabrication.

Bending

As a forming operation, bending shapes the metal without removing any material. The process induces a variety of bends, including V-bends, U-bends, and channel bends. It's essential to keep in mind that excessive bending can lead to work hardening, possibly resulting in cracks.

Bending is a standard process in sheet metal fabrication that serves a functional purpose and can contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the part. The process is versatile and allows you to create complex geometries that are otherwise challenging.

When to use this: Use bending when your project involves creating intricate, angular designs. But remember, the complexity of your design may influence the cost and time required for fabrication.

Brushed

Brushing is an excellent choice if you're looking for a satin-like finish. The process uses a series of abrasive belts or brushes to create a unidirectional texture on the metal surface, effectively reducing surface defects and enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Aside from aesthetics, brushing helps hide fingerprints and minor scratches that may occur during the product's lifespan. However, this process offers no significant protective layer against corrosion or rust.

When to use this: When the visual look of the part is essential.

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Painted

Painting your fabricated sheet metal part can dramatically improve its visual appeal. It allows for almost unlimited color choices and is an added protective layer against corrosion, mainly used with primers. High-quality industrial paints can provide a durable finish that withstands extreme conditions, including high temperatures, UV exposure, and moisture.

When to use this: Consider painting when you want a wide color selection and an additional protective layer. However, complex geometries may complicate the painting process and affect the final result.

Galvanized

If you're concerned about corrosion, galvanization is an excellent option. The process involves applying a protective zinc coating to prevent rust. It's prevalent for outdoor applications, where the elements pose a significant corrosion risk.

Galvanized finishes are less versatile regarding aesthetics, as the zinc coating typically gives a dull gray appearance.

When to use this: The protection it offers makes it an excellent choice for pieces that will face harsh environments.

Plated

Plating involves depositing a metal coating on the sheet metal part. It can serve functional and aesthetic purposes, enhancing corrosion resistance, reducing friction, improving paint adhesion, altering conductivity, and providing a decorative shine.

When to use this: Consider the plated finish to enhance specific properties of your sheet metal part. The plating material—gold, silver, nickel, chrome, etc.—significantly affects the result. However, the process can become expensive depending on the materials used.

Choosing the Right Finish

The right finish can greatly enhance your part's appearance, durability, and functionality, so choose wisely.

Whether you need a brushed, painted, galvanized, or plated finish, or complex bending operations, MakerVerse is here to help. Our experts can help you determine the most appropriate finishing process. Upload a part to our platform and specify what you're looking for. You'll hear back soon from our experienced engineers.