Types of Metal Finishing

 Metal Plating
 Brushed Metal
 Buff Polishing
 Metal Grinding
 Metal Vibratory Finishing

 Sand Blasting
 Powder Coating 
 Aluminum Anodizing
 Hot Blackening
 Stainless Steel Polishing

Metal Plating

Metal plating machines use a chemical bath to coat or alter the surface of a substrate with a thin layer of metal, such as nickel, Zinc. The electroplating method generates an electric current to coat the substrate, while electroless plating employs an autocatalytic process in which the substrate catalyzes the reaction.
Metal plating provides a number of advantages as a finishing process. It can improve a product’s durability, corrosion resistance, surface friction, and exterior appearance. It is also a useful option for coating other metals. In high-volume production runs, a barrel-finishing machine is a fast and efficient plating solution. However, plating machines are generally not suited for smoothing out surface defects.

Brushed Metal

Unlike plating, brushed metal finishing is an effective method for removing surface imperfections. These finishing machines create a uniform, parallel grain surface texture to smooth out a product’s exterior. An abrasive belt or wire brush is usually employed to achieve this effect. In addition, the singular direction of the belt or brush can create slightly rounded edges perpendicular to the grain.

Buff Polishing

If your project requires a smooth, non-textured finish, then a buff polishing machine may be your answer. This machine uses a cloth wheel to buff the product’s surface, resulting in a high, glossy sheen. The process is often used for decorative products that benefit from luster and smoothness.
Buff polishing machines tend to round out a product’s edges, and due to the cloth wheel’s range limits, the process is less effective for applications requiring intricate, fragile, or recessed features.