Surface Treatment
Comprehensive surface treatment capabilities for any application
Physical processes that alter surface morphology through mechanical force — cleaning, finishing, and strengthening without changing chemical composition.
Surface Cleaning & Preparation(4)
Shot Peening / Shot Blasting
High-speed spherical media (steel/glass/ceramic beads) propelled by centrifugal wheel or compressed air. Removes rust, scale, and contaminants while inducing compressive stress for fatigue resistance.
Pre-coating preparation, casting cleanup, descaling, fatigue life improvementSand Blasting
Angular abrasive media (quartz, corundum, silicon carbide) blasted at high speed. Stronger cutting action than shot blasting — creates controlled surface roughness (anchor profile) for coating adhesion.
Heavy rust removal, coating preparation, matte/ satin decorative finish, casting cleanupTumbling / Deburring
Mass finishing using vibrating or rotating media to remove burrs, smooth edges, and polish surfaces in bulk quantities.
Precision machined parts, gears, fasteners, hydraulic valve coresUltrasonic Cleaning
High-frequency sound waves (20–400 kHz) create cavitation bubbles that implode and dislodge contaminants from micro-pores, blind holes, and crevices unreachable by mechanical brushing.
Semiconductor wafers, medical devices, precision bearings, pre-plating preparationSurface Finishing & Texturing(7)
Mechanical Polishing
Progressive abrasion using finer grits (<1 μm) with buffing wheels and polishing compounds (alumina, diamond) to achieve mirror surface (Ra <0.01 μm).
Stainless steel faucets, medical instruments, watch cases, aluminum wheel rimsElectropolishing
Anodic dissolution in electrolyte (phosphoric/sulfuric acid). Microscopic peaks dissolve faster than valleys — produces stress-free, perfectly smooth mirror finish without mechanical abrasion marks.
Pharmaceutical equipment, food-grade piping, semiconductor components, surgical toolsChemical Polishing
Immersion in chemical solution (nitric/hydrofluoric for SS; phosphoric/nitric for Al) that preferentially dissolves surface peaks. Simpler than electropolishing but with lower gloss — ideal for small batch parts.
Small decorative parts, screws, complex internal geometries, aluminum trimBrushing (Hairline / Grain Finish)
Directional abrasion using belts, non-woven wheels, or wire brushes to produce continuous parallel (straight grain) or random (non-directional) fine linear texture. Hides fingerprints and minor scratches.
Elevator panels, phone cases, appliance panels, architectural panels, kitchenwareEmbossing / Pattern Rolling
Pressure rolling with patterned dies or rollers (cold or hot) to create raised/recessed textures — leather grain, geometric, diamond plate, brand logos.
Aluminum decorative panels, anti-slip tread plates, packaging foil, automotive interior trimGrinding (Rough Grinding)
Coarse abrasive wheels, belts, or discs remove substantial material to eliminate casting defects, weld spatter, heavy scale, and rough surfaces. Prerequisite step before finer polishing.
Casting gate removal, weld seam cleanup, surface leveling, pre-polish preparationScratch Brushing
Rotating wire brushes (steel, brass, nylon) create softer, less directional texture than hairline brushing. Used for cleaning, deburring, and producing satin/matte decorative finishes.
Decorative matte五金, tool cleaning, oxide removal, surface activation before coatingSurface Deformation Strengthening(3)
Roller Burnishing
Hardened rollers apply pressure to plastically deform surface peaks into valleys — simultaneously improves finish (Ra <0.1 μm), hardness (+20–50%), and induces compressive residual stress for fatigue resistance.
Shafts, bearing journals, hydraulic rods, engine crankshafts, cylinder boresLaser Shock Peening (LSP)
GW-class nanosecond laser pulses generate GPa-level shock waves via plasma expansion (with ablative/confining layers). Produces compressive stress layer 1–2 mm deep (4–10× conventional shot peening) with negligible surface roughening.
Aircraft engine blades, turbine disks, landing gear, nuclear reactor components, orthopedic implantsShot Peening (Strengthening)
Precisely controlled bombardment with spherical media at 100–200% coverage. Creates uniform compressive stress layer (0.1–0.5 mm deep) that inhibits fatigue crack initiation and propagation. Different from cleaning shot blasting — parameters strictly controlled.
Automotive gears, leaf springs, connecting rods, turbine blades, helicopter rotorsThermal, chemical, or physical processes that alter surface composition, microstructure, or phase — producing hardened, wear-resistant cases while maintaining a tough core.
Surface Quenching(4)
Induction Hardening
Electromagnetic induction (medium/high frequency) rapidly heats surface via eddy currents (skin effect), followed by immediate quench. Produces martensitic case — fast (seconds), precise, minimal distortion, energy-efficient.
Gears, shafts, camshafts, bearing surfaces, guide rails, crankshaft journalsFlame Hardening
Oxy-acetylene/propane flame heats surface to austenitizing temperature, then water/oil quench. Simple equipment, suitable for large/irregular workpieces and small batches. Less uniform than induction.
Large gears, crane wheels, rail tracks, large molds, marine shaftsLaser Hardening
Focused laser beam scans surface — rapid heating (ms) followed by self-quenching via substrate conduction. Precise pattern control, almost zero distortion, no quench medium needed. Ultra-fine martensite with 10–30% higher hardness than conventional quench.
Tooling edges, mold cavities, cam lobes, precision wear surfaces, gear teethElectron Beam Hardening
High-speed electrons bombard surface in vacuum — kinetic energy converts to heat for instantaneous surface quench (self-cooling). 80–90% energy efficiency, deeper case possible (1–2 mm), no oxidation.
Precision gears, bearing races, valve components, aerospace partsThermochemical Diffusion(5)
Carburizing
Low-carbon steel (<0.25% C) heated at 900–950°C in carbon-rich atmosphere (gas/ liquid/solid). Carbon diffuses into surface to 0.8–1.2% C. Quench + temper produces hard martensitic case (HRC 58–63) with tough low-carbon core.
Automotive gears, transmission shafts, bearing rings, piston pins, camshaftsNitriding
Nitrogen diffuses into steel surface at relatively low temperature (500–580°C, below transformation point) in ammonia gas or plasma. Forms extremely hard nitrides (HV 800–1200). No quench needed — minimal distortion. Requires alloy steels (Al, Cr, Mo).
Precision lead screws, extrusion screws, injection molds, cylinder liners, aerospace gearsCarbonitriding
Carbon and nitrogen co-diffuse at 780–880°C. Faster than carburizing, produces shallower but harder case (HV 700–900). Good wear and galling resistance.
Light-duty gears, fasteners, small shafts, powder metallurgy partsBoriding (Boronizing)
Boron diffuses into steel at 800–1000°C forming FeB/Fe₂B compound layer with extreme hardness (HV 1200–2000). Superior abrasion resistance — outperforms carburizing and nitriding in sliding wear. Best with Fe₂B single phase to avoid brittleness.
Mud pump parts, extruder screws, sandblast nozzles, oil drilling tools, valve componentsDiffusion Metallizing (Al, Cr, Si)
Aluminizing (Al diffusion): forms Fe-Al intermetallic for high-temperature oxidation resistance (900–1000°C). Chromizing (Cr diffusion): Cr-rich surface for corrosion and erosion resistance. Siliconizing (Si diffusion): acid corrosion resistance.
Heat treatment fixtures, boiler tubes, gas turbine blades (aluminizing); valves, pump parts (chromizing); chemical equipment (siliconizing)Surface Alloying(3)
Laser Cladding / Laser Surface Alloying
High-power laser simultaneously melts coating powder (or pre-placed layer) and a thin substrate layer — rapid solidification produces metallurgically bonded, low-dilution (~5%) alloyed surface with superior properties.
Aerospace blades, mold restoration, high-value shaft repair, wear-resistant surfacesIon Implantation
High-energy ions (N, Cr, B, etc.) accelerated and embedded into surface in vacuum. Precise composition and depth control at nanoscale. No dimensional change, no delamination risk. Improves hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance.
Precision bearings, artificial joints, cutting tools, semiconductor dopingTD Coating (Thermal Diffusion)
Immerses steel in molten borax bath containing carbide-forming elements (V, Nb, Cr) at 850–1050°C. Forms ultra-hard carbide layer (VC, NbC — HV 2500–3500) metallurgically bonded to substrate.
Cold forging dies, stamping punches, powder compaction tooling, wire drawing diesOther Modification(1)
QPQ (Quench-Polish-Quench)
Salt bath nitrocarburizing + mechanical polishing + re-oxidation. Produces hard, black, aesthetically appealing surface with excellent corrosion resistance (salt spray >200h). Minimal distortion. Environmentally cleaner than traditional salt baths.
Firearms, hydraulic rods, automotive door hinges, tools, textile machinery partsChemical or electrochemical reactions convert the metal surface into an insoluble, tightly-adherent compound layer (oxide, chromate, phosphate) for corrosion protection, paint adhesion, or decorative purposes.
Anodizing(4)
Anodizing (Sulfuric / Oxalic / Chromic)
Electrolytic oxidation grows porous hexagonal Al₂O₃ layer (5–25 μm) from aluminum substrate in acid electrolyte. The porous structure accepts dyes and sealants. Sulfuric type is most common — good balance of protection and cost.
Phone cases, laptop bodies, architectural aluminum, cookware, automotive trimHard Anodizing (Type III)
Low-temperature (~0°C), high-current-density anodizing produces thick (25–150 μm), dense, hard oxide layer (HV 400–600). Naturally dark gray/black color. Exceptional wear and abrasion resistance.
Aluminum cylinders, pistons, drone components, cookware, sliding wear railsMicro-Arc Oxidation (MAO / PEO)
High-voltage plasma discharge in electrolyte creates ceramic-like oxide layer on light metals (Al, Mg, Ti). Extreme hardness (HV 800–2000), superior wear and thermal barrier properties. Thicker and harder than conventional anodizing.
Aerospace components, biomedical implants, high-performance engine parts, textile machineryColored Anodizing
Anodized porous layer dyed with organic or inorganic pigments before hydrothermal sealing. UV-stable options available for outdoor use. Wide color gamut from gold, red, blue to black.
Consumer electronics, sporting goods, architectural profiles, nameplates, giftwareChemical Oxidation(3)
Black Oxide (Bluing / Blackening)
Hot alkaline solution (~140°C) of NaOH + NaNO₂ + NaNO₃ converts steel surface to black Fe₃O₄ (magnetite). Minimal dimensional change (<1 μm) — preserves sharp edges and precision fits. Mild rust protection when oiled.
Precision tools, firearms, springs, fasteners, gauges, instrument partsChromate Conversion (Alodine / Chem Film)
Immersion or brush application of chromate (or Cr-free) solution on aluminum, forming thin (0.5–3 μm) protective film. Electrically conductive — suitable for electronics grounding. Excellent paint adhesion base.
Aircraft aluminum parts, electronic housings, pretreatment before painting, corrosion protectionPhosphating (Zn / Mn / Fe Phosphate)
Immersion in heated phosphate solution (60–80°C) deposits crystalline phosphate conversion layer. Zinc phosphate: best paint base. Manganese phosphate: oil-retentive for anti-friction. Iron phosphate: economical thin coating.
Car body pretreatment (Zn), piston rings & gears (Mn), fasteners & appliance shells (Fe)Other Conversion(2)
Passivation
Stainless steel immersed in oxidizing acid (nitric/citric) to remove free iron and surface contaminants, enhancing the natural Cr₂O₃ passive layer for maximum corrosion resistance. Critical for Cl⁻ environment resistance.
Food processing equipment, surgical instruments, aerospace stainless fasteners, pharmaceutical tanksMetal Coloring
Chemical patination or controlled oxidation to produce colored films — copper turns black/brown with polysulfide, stainless turns gold/blue/purple via interference oxide films in hot chromic-sulfuric acid.
Architectural panels, sculptures, medals, watch cases, decorative kitchenwarePhysical, chemical, or electrochemical deposition of metallic or organic layers onto the substrate — providing corrosion protection, decoration, wear resistance, or functional properties.
Electroplating(7)
Zinc Plating
Electrodeposited zinc layer (5–25 μm) provides sacrificial (galvanic) protection to steel. Post-treated with clear, yellow, black, or olive drab chromate passivation for enhanced corrosion resistance and color options.
Fasteners, stampings, brackets, electrical grounding parts, automotive hardwareCopper Plating
Copper underlayer provides excellent coverage and conductivity. Often used as base for nickel/chrome in decorative multilayer systems (Cu-Ni-Cr). Also used for through-hole plating in PCBs.
Printed circuit boards, decorative plating underlayer, EMI shielding, heat sinksNickel Plating
Bright, corrosion-resistant layer that serves as the main protective component in decorative Cu-Ni-Cr systems. Semi-bright + bright double-layer nickel provides superior corrosion performance.
Consumer hardware, automotive trim, plumbing fixtures, office furnitureChrome Plating (Decorative / Hard)
Decorative chrome: thin (0.2–0.5 μm) bright layer over nickel for brilliant mirror finish. Hard chrome: thick (25–500 μm) layer directly on steel — HV 800–1000, low friction coefficient (0.15), excellent wear and corrosion resistance.
Hydraulic rods, printing rollers, mold cavities, injection screws, automotive trimTin Plating
Non-toxic, solderable, corrosion-resistant coating. Bright or matte finish. Widely used in food contact and electronics applications.
Electronic component leads, connectors, food containers, busbarsAlloy Electroplating
Co-deposition of two or more metals — brass (Cu-Zn), bronze (Cu-Sn), Ni-Fe, Zn-Ni, Zn-Fe, Sn-Pb. Tailored properties: higher corrosion resistance (Zn-Ni), magnetic properties (Ni-Fe), or decorative color (brass).
Automotive under-hood fasteners (Zn-Ni), decorative hardware (brass), magnetic components (Ni-Fe)Brush Plating (Selective Plating)
Portable electroplating using a hand-held anode wrapped in absorbent material soaked with plating solution. Deposits metal only on targeted area — ideal for on-site repair without disassembly or stripping.
Shaft journal repair, mold cavity touch-up, bus bar contact improvement, aircraft component restorationElectroless Plating(2)
Electroless Nickel
Auto-catalytic deposition of Ni-P (2–15% P) alloy without electric current. Uniform thickness on ANY geometry including deep holes and internal passages. Low-P: hard and wear-resistant. High-P (>10%): superior amorphous corrosion barrier. Heat treatment (400°C) raises hardness to HV 900–1000.
Oil valve internals, optical molds, HDD components, pump housings, chemical processing equipmentElectroless Copper
Auto-catalytic copper deposition primarily used to metallize non-conductive surfaces (plastics, ceramics) as a precursor layer before electroplating. Critical for PCB through-hole metallization.
PCB hole-wall metallization, plastic EMI shielding, decorative plastic metallizationHot-Dip Coating(2)
Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Steel immersed in molten zinc (~450°C) — Fe-Zn intermetallic layers form (metallurgical bond), topped by pure zinc. Thick coating (50–200 μm) with decades-long outdoor durability. Sacrificial protection at scratches.
Transmission towers, highway guardrails, light poles, structural steel, scaffolding, bolts (controlled process for high-strength grades)Hot-Dip Aluminizing
Steel immersed in molten Al-Si bath (~700°C). Forms Fe-Al intermetallic layer with Al coating. Excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance (up to 800°C) and atmospheric corrosion resistance.
Automotive exhaust systems, furnace components, heat exchanger tubes, baking pansPainting & Powder(3)
Spray Painting (Liquid Paint)
Liquid paint atomized by spray gun, cures by solvent evaporation or chemical crosslinking. Versatile — any color/finish, suitable for large components and small batches. Wide color matching capability (RAL, Pantone).
Automotive bodies, industrial machinery, construction steel, agricultural equipmentPowder Coating
Electrostatically charged dry powder (epoxy, polyester, hybrid) adheres to grounded workpiece, then oven-cures (180–200°C) — powder melts and crosslinks into tough, uniform film. Zero VOC emissions. Wide color and texture range.
Appliance housings, automotive parts, furniture, architectural panels, machine casingsE-Coating (Electrophoretic Coating)
Immersed workpiece in waterborne paint bath with DC current — charged paint particles deposit uniformly on all surfaces including seams and cavities. Cathodic epoxy type (CED) provides exceptional corrosion protection. Auto industry standard primer.
Car body primer, appliance shells, complex sheet metal assemblies, agricultural equipmentThermal Spray(4)
Flame Spray
Oxy-acetylene flame melts wire or powder feedstock, compressed air atomizes and propels molten droplets onto substrate. Simplest, most portable thermal spray process. Lower particle velocity than HVOF or plasma.
Shaft repair, corrosion protection (Zn/Al on steel structures), bearing surface restorationArc Spray
Two oppositely-charged consumable wires feed into arc — molten metal atomized by compressed air and propelled onto substrate. High deposition rate, lower cost. Commonly used for zinc/aluminum corrosion protection of large structures.
Bridge steel corrosion protection, storage tank coating, large component dimensional restorationPlasma Spray
DC arc generates ultra-high temperature plasma jet (up to 10,000°C) in torch, melting ceramic or refractory metal powder. Supersonic particle velocity produces dense coatings. Can spray any material that melts without decomposition.
Turbine blade thermal barrier coatings (YSZ), medical implant hydroxyapatite, rocket nozzle coatingsHVOF (High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel)
Fuel gas + oxygen combust at high pressure in water-cooled chamber — supersonic gas jet (>Mach 2) propels powder particles at extreme velocity. Produces exceptionally dense, well-bonded carbide (WC-Co, Cr₃C₂-NiCr) and alloy coatings with hardness up to 72 HRC equivalent.
Aerospace turbine blade wear surfaces, printing rolls, hydraulic rods, boiler tube protection, landing gearOverlay & Cladding(2)
Weld Overlay / Hardfacing
Arc welding processes deposit wear/corrosion-resistant alloy layers (high-Cr cast iron, stainless, Ni/Co-based) onto base metal. Thick deposits (mm range) with metallurgical bond. Some base metal dilution (10–30%).
Rollers, crusher hammers, valve seats, excavator teeth, mining equipment, chemical vessel liningsLaser Cladding (Powder-fed)
High-power laser creates melt pool while powder nozzle simultaneously feeds alloy powder — rapid solidification produces dense, low-dilution (<5%) clad layer. Minimal heat input, almost no distortion. Precision repair capability.
Aerospace blade tip repair, mold/die restoration, high-value shaft journals, oil drilling tool hardbandingOther Coating Methods(1)
Mechanical Plating (Impact Plating)
Metal powder (Zn, Sn, Al) cold-welded onto steel parts by tumbling with glass beads and chemical promoter at room temperature. Zero hydrogen embrittlement — ideal for high-strength fasteners. Matte gray appearance.
High-strength bolts (≥10.9 grade), springs, washers, self-tapping screwsPhysical or chemical vapor deposition under vacuum producing ultra-thin (0.1–10 μm), high-purity, dense films with exceptional adhesion — for decorative, tribological, optical, and semiconductor applications.
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)(3)
PVD — Evaporation
Coating material heated to evaporation in high vacuum (10⁻²–10⁻⁴ Pa) — vapor condenses on cooler substrate. Heating methods: resistive (low-melting metals like Al, Ag) or electron beam (high-melting materials like W, Mo, oxides). Line-of-sight deposition.
Reflective mirror coatings, OLED electrodes, food packaging barrier film, automotive reflector (aluminized)PVD — Sputtering
High-energy ions (Ar⁺) bombard target material — atoms ejected and deposit on substrate. Magnetron sputtering (industrial standard) uses magnetic field to enhance ionization efficiency. Excellent film uniformity and composition control at lower temperatures.
Semiconductor metallization, touchscreen ITO coating, architectural Low-E glass, hard disk plattersPVD — Ion Plating
Evaporated/sputtered atoms partially ionized and accelerated toward negatively biased substrate. Ion bombardment during deposition produces dense, extremely adherent films with excellent coverage. Multi-arc ion plating commonly used for TiN, CrN, TiAlN decorative/hard coatings.
TiN gold-colored watch bands, sanitary fittings, phone frames, drill bit coatings, mold protectionChemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)(2)
Thermal CVD
Gaseous precursors (TiCl₄, CH₄, NH₃, etc.) react at high temperature (600–1200°C) on heated substrate — solid film deposits, gaseous byproducts pumped away. Produces dense, conformal coatings with excellent coverage on complex shapes. Thicker films (5–20 μm) than PVD.
Carbide cutting tool coatings (TiC/TiN/Al₂O₃ multilayer), wire drawing dies, graphite crucible protectionPECVD (Plasma-Enhanced CVD)
Plasma (RF/microwave) energizes CVD reactions — enables deposition at much lower temperatures (room temp–400°C) than thermal CVD. Widely used for dielectric films in semiconductor manufacturing and DLC coatings.
Semiconductor passivation (SiNₓ, SiO₂), solar cell anti-reflective coating, moisture barrier films, DLC coatingsSpecialty PVD/CVD(1)
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)
Amorphous carbon film with mixed sp²/sp³ bonds — diamond-like hardness (HV 2000–4000) with graphite-like low friction (coefficient <0.1). Applied by PECVD or filtered cathodic arc. Excellent for unlubricated sliding and wear applications.
Oil-free bearings, fuel injection components, razor blades, cutting tools, Formula 1 engine partsConcentrated laser or electron beam energy enables precise, selective surface treatment — localized hardening, remelting, or alloying with minimal heat input and near-zero distortion.
Laser Treatment(3)
Laser Quenching (Laser Transformation Hardening)
Focused laser beam rapidly heats surface layer above austenitizing temperature (but below melting point), then self-quenching via substrate conduction produces ultra-fine martensite. Precise pattern control — treat only where needed. No external quench medium.
Gear teeth flanks, cam lobes, cutting edges, mold surfaces, guide rail edgesLaser Remelting
Laser melts thin surface layer which rapidly solidifies — refines microstructure, homogenizes composition, eliminates surface porosity and microcracks in cast or sintered materials. Produces nano-crystalline or amorphous surface with improved properties.
Cast iron cylinder bores, tool steel edge refinement, sintered part surface densificationLaser Alloying
Laser simultaneously melts surface and alloying elements (pre-placed or injected powder) — rapid mixing and solidification creates custom-composition surface layer with properties unattainable by bulk alloying alone.
High-wear tooling, aerospace titanium alloy surface hardening, corrosion-resistant surface on cheap substratesElectron Beam Treatment(2)
Electron Beam Quenching
Focused electron beam in vacuum rapidly heats surface — self-quenching produces martensitic case. Excellent energy efficiency (80–90%), precise energy control, and deeper hardening (up to 2 mm) compared to laser. Vacuum environment prevents oxidation.
Automotive powertrain components, precision tools, valve seats, bearing surfacesElectron Beam Remelting
High-energy electron beam melts and rapidly solidifies surface layer — refines microstructure in vacuum. Excellent for improving cast, sintered, or thermally-sprayed surface quality and density.
Turbine blade surface refinement, medical implant surface modification