What is Metal Coating? Industrial Techniques, Materials & Applications Explained
- June 26, 2025
- 9:40 pm
- 1176
Metal coating applies
Comparison Table of Metal Coating Types
Coating Type | Material | Protection | Typical Substrate | Use Case |
---|---|---|---|---|
Galvanizing | Zinc | High (corrosion) | Steel, Iron | Outdoor steel structures |
Electroplating | Ni, Cr, Au, Ag | Medium to High | Steel, Copper, Brass | Jewelry, electronics |
Powder Coating | Thermoset polymers | Moderate | Steel, Aluminum | Furniture, machines |
Anodizing | Aluminum oxide | High (oxidation) | Aluminum | Aircraft, buildings |
Thermal Spraying | Alloys, ceramics | High (abrasion & heat) | Steel, Inconel, others | Industrial components |
Phosphate Coating | Manganese/Zinc | Moderate | Steel | Car bodies, tools |
SECTION 1: COATING FUNCTIONS & INDUSTRY DEMANDS
Critical Technical Objectives:
Salt spray resistance (ASTM B117) ≥1,000 hrs | Offshore platforms, automotive chassis | |
Hardness ≥800 HV (Vickers) | Mining equipment, hydraulic rods | |
Thermal stability ≥1,100°C | Jet engine turbines, exhaust systems | |
Resistivity 10⁻⁶–10⁹ Ω·cm | Electronics (EMI/RFI shielding) | |
QUV accelerated weathering >5 yrs | Architectural cladding, consumer goods |
SECTION 2: MAJOR METAL COATING TECHNOLOGIES
1. Hot-Dip Galvanizing (HDG)
Process: Immersion in molten zinc (449°C) → forms Zn-Fe alloy layers (ISO 1461) Huaxiao Product: Z600 HDG Steel Coils (275g/m² coating, ASTM A123) - Applications: Power transmission towers, highway guardrails
2. Electroplating
Process: Electro-deposition of metals (Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu) at 1–50µm thickness (ASTM B633) Huaxiao Offering: Electrogalvanized Steel (EG) Sheets Specs: 20–40g/m² coating, spangle-free finish - Uses: Electrical enclosures, appliance housings
3. Anodizing
Process: Electrochemical oxidation → aluminum oxide layer (MIL-A-8625) Huaxiao Solution: Anodized 6061/6063 Aluminum Profiles - Types:
- Decorative: 5–25µm thickness (dyed colors)
- Hardcoat: 50–100µm thickness, hardness 60–70 HRC
- Types:
4. Thermal Spray Coating
Techniques: HVOF, Plasma Spray, Arc Spray Huaxiao Advanced Materials: WC-12Co Powder: For abrasive wear resistance (HRC 72) NiCrAlY Bond Coats: Oxidation protection >1,000°C
5. Organic/Paint Systems
Epoxy, PU, Fluoropolymers: Applied via coil coating (ISO 12944) Product Highlight: PVDF-Coated Aluminum Coils (40µm) - Color retention >20 years (AAMA 2605 compliant)
SECTION 3: COATING SELECTION GUIDE BY INDUSTRY
Inorganic Zinc Silicate + Epoxy | ||
HDG + Powder Coating | ||
Electrogalvanized Zn-Ni | ||
HVOF WC-CoCr | ||
Anodizing Type II/III |
SECTION 4: HUAXIAO-ALLOY’S COATING EXPERTISE
We bridge material science with industrial execution:
Precision Control:
- Coating thickness tolerance: ±2µm (electroplating)
- Surface roughness: Ra 0.8–1.6µm (thermal spray)
Advanced Options: Magnesium-Zinc Alloy Coatings (MgZn): Salt spray >3,000 hrs (automotive) Graphene-Enhanced Epoxy: 7x better corrosion inhibition vs. standard epoxy
Applications of Metal Coatings
Metal coatings are used across various industries to meet functional, safety, and regulatory requirements:
Construction: Roofing sheets, structural beams, fasteners
Automotive: Car bodies, engine parts, wheels
Electrical & Electronics: Connectors, circuit boards, housings
Aerospace: Aircraft parts, turbine blades, structural panels
Oil & Gas: Offshore platforms, pipelines, drilling equipment
Consumer Goods: Kitchen appliances, furniture, decorative hardware
CONCLUSION: ENGINEERING LONGEVITY
Metal coatings are
Why Choose Huaxiao Alloy?
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we export a wide range of coated and uncoated metal materials, including:
Galvanized Steel Coils & Sheets (GI)
Prepainted Galvanized Steel (PPGI / PPGL)
Aluminum Coils with Anodized or Painted Surface
Electroplated Steel Products
Custom Surface Treatments Available on Request
We support OEM production, international logistics, and third-party inspections to ensure the highest product quality and consistency.
Optimize component performance with precision-coated metals:
➤
➤
➤
Coating generally refers to applying a protective layer (can be metallic or non-metallic), while plating specifically involves metal-on-metal deposition, often using electrochemical methods.
Yes, though stainless steel is corrosion-resistant by itself, coatings such as powder coating or electropolishing may be used for additional protection or aesthetics.
Consider your environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, chemicals), aesthetic needs, durability expectations, and industry standards. Our technical team can help you select the ideal solution.