Surface technology Manufacturers online

Surface technology encompasses all processes for modifying, refining and functionalizing surfaces in order to specifically improve their properties.

It plays a central role in numerous industries such as mechanical engineering, automotive, medical technology and electronics.

Below you will find a description of how surface technology works, the processes and areas of application, as well as a brief overview of future trends:

How surface technology works:

The way it works is based on physical, chemical and mechanical processes to change the surface of a material. The main objectives are:

1. Corrosion protection: Protection against oxidation and environmental influences.
2. Wear protection: Increasing resistance to mechanical stress.
3. Optical improvement: Change in color, gloss or reflective properties.
4. Electrical and thermal properties: Improvement of conductivity or insulation.
5. Hygienic requirements: Facilitating cleaning or preventing the formation of germs.

Surface technology processes:

There are numerous processes that are selected depending on the application:

1. Mechanical processes:
   Polishing: Smoothing the surface for a glossy finish.
   Blasting (sandblasting, glass bead blasting, shot blasting): Removal of impurities and improvement of adhesion.
   Lapping and honing processes: High-precision smoothing for minimal frictional resistance.
2. Chemical and electrochemical processes:
   Pickling: removal of oxide or scale layers.
   Electroplating (e.g. chrome plating, nickel plating, galvanizing): Metallic protective coatings by electrolytic deposition.
   Anodizing: Creation of a protective oxide layer (mainly for aluminum).
3. Thermal processes:
   Plasma and flame spraying: Application of protective coatings by molten particles.
   CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) / PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition): High-quality thin coatings for wear protection and decoration.
   Nitriding and carbonitriding: Hardening of the surface by introducing nitrogen and carbon.
4. Coating processes:
   Powder coating: Uniform color layer with high resistance.
   Painting: Optical refinement and protection against environmental influences.
   Nanocoating: Functional layers with hydrophobic or antibacterial properties.

Areas of application for surface technology:

Surface technology is used in numerous industries:

1. Automotive industry:
Corrosion protection, decorative coating, friction minimization.

2. Mechanical engineering:
Wear protection for gears, bearings and tools.

3. Medical technology:
Biocompatible coatings for implants and surgical instruments.

4. Electronics:
Improvement of conductivity and protection against oxidation.

5. Aerospace:
High-performance coatings for extreme environments.

Future trends in surface technology:

• Environmentally friendly coatings, solvent-free paints.
• Intelligent surfaces through self-healing and adaptive materials.
• Ultra-thin layers for extreme functionalities through the use of nanotechnology.

Surface technology is an indispensable field in modern industry and is constantly evolving to meet new challenges.

Here you will find the most important aspects to look out for when purchasing in the field of surface technology:

Purchasing in the surface technology sector requires technical knowledge, market knowledge and strategic planning.

• Before you place an order, you should clarify exactly what requirements the surface must meet:
• Material compatibility - Does the process suit the material type? (e.g. aluminum, steel, plastic)
• Coating thickness and adhesion - How thick does the coating need to be?
• Corrosion protection requirements - In what environment will the component be used?
• Mechanical stress - Does the surface have to withstand abrasion, pressure or heat?
• Visual requirements - Should the surface be glossy, matt or colored?
• Cleanliness and hygiene standards - Important for medical technology or the food industry.
• Create a detailed technical specification or a specification sheet to avoid misunderstandings with suppliers.
• There are different surface processes depending on the requirements. The purchasing department should be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the processes:
• Electroplating, e.g. nickel plating, chrome plating, guarantees high corrosion protection with an attractive appearance and high durability. The disadvantage is chemical pollution of the environment and therefore high environmental requirements.
• Powder coating is advantageous in mechanical engineering and architecture. The result is high resistance and many colors can be produced. The disadvantage here is that only heat-resistant materials can be coated.
• Anodizing of aluminium is used in aviation, in the housing sector and in architecture. The result is visually appealing and durable surfaces. Anodizing is only applicable for aluminium.
• PVD/CVD coatings are used in toolmaking and medical technology. Extremely hard and thin layers can be produced. However, this is an expensive and complex technique.
• Plasma/flame spraying is used in mechanical engineering and for surfaces in the automotive sector. The result is good wear protection. The disadvantage is a partially high roughness which in some cases makes reworking necessary.
• A reliable supplier is crucial for consistent quality and on-time delivery. Important criteria in the selection process are
• Certifications - Does the supplier have ISO 9001, IATF 16949 or other relevant standards?
• Process control - Are there regular inspections during production?
• Sustainability - Does the supplier use environmentally friendly processes or recycling methods?
• Delivery times and flexibility - Are short delivery times and just-in-time delivery possible?
• When purchasing, it's not just about the lowest price, but about the best price-performance ratio.
• Check offers not only for the basic price, but also for hidden costs and long-term savings potential.
• Many surface technology processes have high environmental requirements, especially for chemical processes such as electroplating.
• Rely on innovative, environmentally friendly processes such as water-based painting or nano-coating.

With these points, you can be sure of high-quality coatings, reliable partners and cost-efficient production.

Surface technology can be purchased from various suppliers. You will find comprehensive information on manufacturers and suppliers of Surface technology around the world on Exportpages.