What Are Metal Coatings?

Metal coatings are used to provide a layer of protection for metals or other types of materials that are subjected to corrosion. These coatings are used in industries such as aerospace, defense, military and automotive.

Process

Metal coatings are applied to materials through processes such as electroplating, spraying, hot dipping, chemical vapor deposition and ion vapor deposition. Metal coatings are usually carried out in batch operations that are manual or automated and the metal pieces are coated through a series of baths.

Coating Types

Metals such as chromium, nickel, copper and cadmium are usually used as coatings. Zinc is a substance that has excellent corrosive resistance properties and it is commonly used within many industries. Aluminum cladding is a process that is used by the aerospace industry and it bonds aluminum with another type of metal in order to improve corrosive resistance qualities of aircraft.

Purpose

Metal coatings are ultimately important for saving money and keeping equipment and vehicles in operational form. Without the use of these coatings many industries such as aerospace and the automotive industry would experience structural and mechanical failure of their vehicles, and injuries and the potential to cause harm to the environment would increase.

References

• Corrosion Doctors: Protective Metallic Coatings
• Corrosion Doctors: Metal Cladding
• Corrosion Doctors: Zinc Coatings
• THE CONSEQUENCES OF CORROSIO