« Your Options for Surface Coating » The term hardmetal coating can refer to two different processes: applying a hardmetal layer to conventional metals, or enhancing existing hardmetal components with highly wear-resistant materials. These composites consist of a metallic binder, …

Conversion means transformation. A conversion coating, by definition, is simply a transformed layer. But what exactly is being transformed—and how? Let us take a closer look. What Exactly Is a Conversion Coating? In surface treatment, a conversion coating refers to …

Rusting is the most well-known form of chemical corrosion in metals, but it is far from the only one. Effective corrosion protection can be achieved using specialized chemical substances—so-called corrosion inhibitors—that prevent or at least slow down corrosive material degradation. …

« Why Heat Resistance Is a Critical Property in Surface Technology » In many industrial facilities, the surfaces of reactors, furnaces, and chemical plants must endure high temperatures and frequent thermal cycling. Lubricants used during machining face similar demands, where …

« Effectively Preventing and Removing Surface Discoloration » Colored metallic surfaces are often desirable. For instance, steel does not have to just be shiny silver; it can be colored through sophisticated processes to almost any hue, including green, blue, red, …

« What does it mean? » Pickling and passivation are chemical or electrochemical surface treatment processes that deliberately modify the properties of the material’s surface layers. These methods are commonly used in the pretreatment of metal workpieces to create corrosion …

Paints and solvents often have a distinctive odor, similar to that of common adhesives. This slightly sweet smell is due to the solvent ethyl acetate. In  lesser amounts, such as those used at home, there is not much of a …

« Steel and Non-Ferrous Metals: What Paint Stripping Options are Available? » High-gloss coatings are a pleasure to behold. However, their primary purpose is to protect painted items from corrosion and mechanical damage. When the paint is worn off, it …

« What problems arise from insufficient oil-water separation? » Puddles shimmering with gasoline like a rainbow—what might seem intriguing can quickly become expensive. When oil and water are not properly separated, the mixture can enter the sewage system, and thereby …

Process parameters in surface technology are measurement variables that define the conditions influencing coating or material treatment procedures. Chemical and physical processes are triggered when an external influence disturbs the existing equilibrium. As the system seeks to re-establish balance, other …