The metal surface treatment technology for furniture hardware accessories, serving as a key method to enhance the corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, wear resistance, and aesthetics of metal materials, is continuously optimizing and evolving with the rapid development of science and technology. This technology not only meets the increasingly stringent demands of furniture production but also closely aligns with the diversified needs of the furniture market.

 

I. Anodizing Process

Anodizing is mainly applied to the metal surfaces of sofa legs made of aluminum alloys, creating an aluminum oxide film on them through electrochemical principles. This oxide film possesses multiple characteristics such as protective, decorative, insulating, and wear-resistant properties.

 

Process Features:

1. Significantly enhances the strength of aluminum alloy materials.

2. Capable of achieving any color except white, meeting personalized needs.

3. Achieves nickel-free sealing technology, meeting the environmental protection standards required by countries like Europe and America.

 

Technical Challenges and Improvement Key Points:

The yield rate of anodizing directly affects the final cost of sofa leg products. The key to improving the yield rate lies in the precise control of the amount of oxidizing agents, temperature, and current density, which requires continuous exploration and improvement by furniture hardware manufacturers during the production process.

 

II. ED-Electrophoresis Deposition Process

Electrophoretic technology is suitable for sofa leg hardware products made of materials like stainless steel and aluminum alloys, allowing products to display a variety of colors while maintaining a metallic luster, and enhancing surface performance and corrosion resistance.

 

Process Features:

1. A wide range of colors to meet diversified needs.

2. Unique surface texture, which can be combined with various processes such as sandblasting, polishing, and brushing.

3. Suitable for processing in liquid environments, adept at handling complex structural surfaces.

4. Mature and stable technology, easy to achieve large-scale production.

 

Disadvantages: Average ability to cover defects, high requirements for pre-treatment of die-casting parts.

 

III. Electroplating Process

Electroplating technology attaches a layer of metal film to the metal surface of sofa leg products through electrolysis to achieve multiple effects such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance, conductivity, reflectivity, and beautification.

 

Advantages:

1. High luster of the plating layer, showcasing a high-quality metallic appearance.

2. Wide range of substrate materials, such as SUS, Al, Zn, Mg, etc.; relatively low cost, higher cost-performance ratio than PVD.

 

Disadvantages: Environmental performance needs improvement, with potential risks of environmental pollution.

IV. Powder Coating Process

Powder coating technology uses spray equipment to evenly apply powder coatings to the surface of sofa legs, forming a final coating with various effects after high-temperature baking and curing.

 

Advantages:

1. Rich and diverse colors, with options for high-gloss and matte finishes.

2. Low cost, suitable for fields such as architectural furniture and heat sink casings.

3. Utilization rate of up to 100%, environmentally friendly, and energy-saving.

4. Strong ability to cover defects.

5. Capable of achieving wood grain effects.

 

Disadvantages: Currently less applied in the field of electronic products, mainly used in automotive products and furniture hardware products.

 

V. Metal Brushing Process

The metal brushing technology for sofa legs creates decorative effects by grinding lines on the workpiece surface. It can be categorized into various types such as straight grain, random grain, wavy grain, and spiral grain, based on the patterns.

 

Process Features: Brushing treatment endows the metal surface with a non-mirror-like luster while eliminating minor imperfections.

 

VI. Sandblasting Process

Sandblasting technology uses compressed air as a power source to spray abrasive materials at high speed onto the surface of sofa legs, changing its appearance or shape to achieve the purpose of cleaning and adjusting roughness.

 

Process Features:

1. Achieves different reflective or matte effects.

2. Removes minor burrs, levels the workpiece surface, and enhances the overall grade.

3. Removes residual contaminants from pre-treatment, revealing a uniform metallic color, enhancing the aesthetic appearance.

 

VII. Polishing Process

Polishing technology uses flexible polishing tools and abrasive particles to modify the surface of sofa legs, including three methods: mechanical polishing, chemical polishing, and electrolytic polishing.

 

Process Features:

1. Improves the dimensional accuracy and surface smoothness of furniture hardware accessories, achieving a smooth or mirror-like luster.

2. Can be used to enhance mechanical strength, wear resistance, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance.

3. Achieves purposes such as surface matte finish, removal of oxidation skin, and elimination of residual stress.

 

VIII. Laser Engraving Process

Laser engraving technology uses high-energy-density lasers to react with the metal surface, forming unique pattern effects, such as snake skin, corrugated patterns, and pear ground.