Corrosion can be a death sentence for metal parts. Whether you need metal finishing in Bend or elsewhere, Bend Plating has the experience to ensure the preservation of your metal goods. So how can you avoid corrosion to help your metal last longer?
While all metals experience corrosion, it is estimated that 25-30% of corrosion could be prevented by using the right protection methods. Here are a few things you can do to increase the lifespan of your metals.
What is Corrosion?
Corrosion is the deterioration of a metal caused by various environmental interactions. It is a natural phenomenon that requires moisture, a metallic surface, and an oxidizing agent known as an electron acceptor. The corrosion process converts a reactive metal surface into a more stable form: sulfide, oxide, or hydroxide.
The most well-known example of this is rust, an iron oxide formed by the redox reaction of oxygen and iron paired with moisture. Over time, oxygen and water, will convert any iron mass entirely to rust and cause disintegration of the metal.
Corrosion can cause significant damage to all sorts of metals. When metal structures experience corrosion, they weaken, leading to collapses and accidents. Even minor corrosion requires costly maintenance and repairs. In fact, the annual cost of metallic corrosion is approximately $276 billion in the US alone. Serious accidents have been attributed to corrosion in the aviation, automotive, and theme park ride industries.
Keep Your Metal Clean
Cleaning your metal with water and a microfiber cloth or a solution designed for your type of metal can increase its lifespan. Steer clear of particularly abrasive cleaning methods. These can scratch the surface, resulting in crevices where corrosion can hide. Harsh cleaning methods can also decrease the aesthetic value of your parts. When cleaning, make sure you buff with the grain to avoid any damage.
Shield Your Metal from the Environment
You know that the combination of oxygen and moisture causes corrosion. Likewise, dirt and grease can harm your metal by sticking corrosive materials to its surface or gathering bacteria. This weakens your parts and puts them at higher risk for decay. Shielding your metal from these by polishing, electroplate, and PVD is the best ways to ensure its longevity.
Metal Finishing
By finishing your metal before use, you can significantly reduce its risk of corrosion. The finishing process (electroplate, PVD, oils, or paints) puts a protective layer over the metal before it starts to decay so your products stay in top shape for longer. In addition to reducing the chance of corrosion, metal finishing also increases your product’s and aesthetic value.
Metal Finishing in Bend | Bend Plating
Whatever your reason for wanting to prevent corrosion, Bend Plating offers metal finishing in Bend to help you protect your goods. With several methods to halt the corrosion of metals, Bend Plating is an authority in the metal finishing process. Learn more about metal finishing in Bend and other options for reducing corrosion at Bend Plating. We can help you select the perfect finish for regular or heavy-duty use. Please contact us today for more information.
