The metal surface treatment process for hardware holds an important position in modern industrial production. This technology can significantly enhance the surface properties of metal hardware, improve its wear and corrosion resistance, and even enhance the aesthetics of furniture products. Metal surface treatments play an indispensable role in everyday furniture items.

 

There are various types of hardware metal surface treatment processes, each with its own unique applications and advantages. Below is a brief introduction to some common metal surface treatment processes and their principles:

 

 

Sandblasting: This method involves roughening the metal surface by spraying sand particles at high speed. It not only thoroughly cleans the metal surface, removing impurities such as rust and oil, but also achieves a certain degree of surface roughness, improving the bond strength between the coating and the metal substrate. Sandblasting is widely used in the pretreatment of various metal products.

 

 

Polishing: Polishing smooths and brightens the metal surface through mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical methods. This technique is typically used to remove scratches, oxide layers, or other defects on the metal surface, giving it a mirror-like finish. Polishing is often used for high-precision metal products such as jewelry and watches.

 

Electroplating: Electroplating is a process that uses the principle of electrolysis to deposit a layer of other metals or alloys onto the metal surface. This treatment significantly improves the metal's wear resistance, conductivity, and corrosion resistance, and can alter the metal's appearance. Electroplating is extensively used in furniture hardware like sofa legs, coffee table legs, sofa frames, bed legs, slide rails, door handles, etc.

 

Anodizing: This is a special redox reaction process that forms a dense oxide film on the metal surface by passing an electric current in a specific electrolyte. Mainly used for the surface treatment of aluminum alloys or other metals, anodizing can markedly improve the metal's hardness and corrosion resistance, and can also give the metal a range of beautiful colors.

 

When selecting a suitable hardware metal surface treatment process, various factors must be considered. First, different metal materials have different treatment process requirements. For instance, aluminum alloy sofa legs are often anodized to enhance their corrosion resistance, while steel sofa legs may require sandblasting or electroplating to increase surface hardness and wear resistance.

 

Secondly, the application scenario is also a critical factor in choosing the treatment process. Sofa legs used in outdoor humid environments may need stronger corrosion protection, while those used indoors might focus more on the appearance's finish.

 

Additionally, the cost, efficiency, and environmental impact of the various treatment processes are factors that must be considered. Although electroplating can offer excellent corrosion resistance, the wastewater and exhaust gases it generates may impact the environment. Therefore, when choosing a treatment process, it is necessary to consider various factors comprehensively to achieve the optimal effect.

 

Considering the factors mentioned, here are some practical suggestions for selecting metal surface treatment processes:

- For hardware metal products that need improved wear resistance and anti-slip properties, sandblasting can be chosen to increase surface roughness.

- For metal products that require a mirror-like finish, polishing can be employed to achieve a smooth and bright surface.

- If the metal product needs enhanced corrosion resistance, such as hardware used in humid environments, then electroplating or anodizing may be a better option.

- When taking into account cost and environmental impact, more eco-friendly and cost-effective treatment methods can be selected, such as certain types of chemical polishing or Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology.

 

The selection of a hardware metal surface treatment process involves a comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including material type, application scenario, cost, and environmental impact. By rationally selecting and applying these treatment processes, we can significantly improve the performance and aesthetics of metal products to meet a variety of different needs.

 

In the production of furniture hardware, such as sofa legs, metal surface treatment is an essential component. Zhuokai has been providing high-precision and high-quality furniture hardware products for mid-to-high-end furniture brands for many years, earning widespread praise from furniture brands and maintaining a leading position in the furniture hardware industry.