Surface Treatment | Description | Purpose/Benefit | Applications |
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Electroplating (Nickel, Gold, etc.) | Depositing a metal layer onto the copper surface via electrochemical means. | Improves corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and surface hardness. | Electronics, decorative items, hardware, aerospace, automotive. |
Powder Coating | A dry finishing process where a powdered coating is applied and then cured under heat. | Enhances corrosion resistance, improves aesthetics, and provides durable finishes. | Automotive parts, household appliances, outdoor equipment, furniture. |
Painting | Application of liquid paints for decorative and protective purposes. | Offers color, increased durability, and corrosion resistance. | Consumer products, automotive, machinery, furniture, and outdoor products. |
Polishing | Mechanical or chemical polishing to create a smooth, shiny surface. | Improves surface finish and aesthetic appeal, often used for decorative purposes. | Jewelry, decorative hardware, automotive parts, consumer electronics. |
Shot Blasting | High-pressure blasting of abrasive particles onto the surface to clean or texture it. | Improves surface texture, removes casting defects, and enhances paint adhesion. | Metalworking, automotive, aerospace, foundries, construction. |
Vibratory Finishing | Using abrasive media in a vibrating machine to smooth surfaces. | Reduces surface roughness and deburrs parts. | Automotive, aerospace, medical device manufacturing, jewelry finishing. |
Chemical Etching | Use of chemicals to etch away unwanted material from the surface. | Provides fine surface finishes, often used for engraving or creating textured finishes. | Electronics, signage, jewelry, precision machining, aerospace. |
Clear Coating | Application of a transparent coating to preserve the natural finish of copper. | Provides UV and corrosion resistance while maintaining the metallic look. | Automotive, electronics, marine, architectural, jewelry. |
PVD Process | Physical Vapor Deposition process that applies thin metallic coatings to the copper surface. | Provides superior wear resistance, hardness, and enhanced aesthetics with metallic finishes. | Electronics, automotive, decorative hardware, medical devices, aerospace. |