There are a variety of different metal coatings in the engineering space. The key to finding the best solution for your substrate is to look directly at each metal coating individually. More precisely, their benefits and how they’re applied.

No matter what substrate you are coating, metal coatings can be used to keep your product protected, enhance its appearance, or improve its performance.

When choosing a metal coating, you can be overwhelmed by the different options. Some can be used to reduce friction while others protect the surface of metal equipment. This is particularly great for companies in the manufacturing and construction industries.

But many other industries can benefit from the metal coating. In this Alphatek blog, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the different metal coatings and which one would be perfect for your specific industry and needs.

What Are Metal Coatings?

Metal coatings are coatings that are applied to metal in order to protect the metal and reduce wear and tear. An unprotected metal will rust and corrode due to environmental exposure. By coating the metal, an extra layer of protection is provided.

The Different Types Of Metal Coatings

A variety of metal coatings can be applied to the substrate. But how do we determine which one is most suitable? Well, like the majority of products for a solution related outcome, each metal coating is designed for specific products, environments, and applications.

Some metal coatings are designed to protect the metal from rust, corrosion, dirt and debris. Other metal coatings specialise in acting as lubricants or torque agents. For example, screws, bolts, and fasteners are metal objects that are often treated with a metal coating in order to make them easier to unscrew or tighten.

There are a variety of different types of metal coatings available at Alphatek. They include:

  • HVOF Spraying – High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel spraying is a process to apply very dense, strongly adhered coatings.
  • Plasma Spray – Plasma coating is the most versatile. It’s designed to treat industrial parts that are exposed to many different elements such as heat or wear and tear.
  • Arc-Wire Spraying – This coating involves two consumable metal wires. When fed into a spray gun the wires are heated to melting point and sprayed onto a metallic surface.
  • Flame Spray – Flame spraying is a cost-effective alternative for applying metallic and ceramic coatings in a low-velocity environment and for those delicate applications.
  • Fluoropolymer Coating – In short, Fluoropolymer Coatings are a design engineers’ dream, allowing greater flexibility of design from the start.

How Are Metal Coatings Applied?

There are a variety of methods by which metal coatings are applied. Metal coatings can be sprayed on in either liquid or powder form. A product can be dipped into a metal coating or electroplated, as well. There are a variety of factors that determine which method of application is best for the metal coating, including:

  • Time frame
  • Curing
  • Cost
  • Level of thickness
  • Appearance
  • Effectiveness

If you have a product or an industry-based problem that would need protection from a thermal coatings specialist, then look no further than Alphatek.

Alphatek: Get In Touch

There’s no real shortcut to experience. Here at Alphatek, we have a combined over 100 years of cumulative coating expertise in house.

Working closely with our customers over the years, we have developed our products and services to deliver the best value, most effective metal spray coatings solution, first time, every time and with a stress-free service that suits everyone.

We have a hard-earned reputation for supplying:

  • Great value,
  • Reliable and effective solutions
  • Solutions of the Highest Quality

In fact, the quality of our work has been accredited to ISO9001:2015.

For Metal Spraying and Thermal Spray Coating specialists, look no further than us, Alphatek. You can call us directly on 01706 821021, or you can email us at postbox@alphatek.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you’d like to visit us we are located 20 miles north of Manchester. Just be wary of our opening times.