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What are the main surface engineering processes?

   
A wide range of surface engineering processes is now available. These processes are often divided into two groups:

  • Surface treatments
  • Surface coatings
The two groups can be further divided according to the method by which the surface treatment or coating is applied. A typical classification of the more common processes is given below.

SURFACE TREATMENTS
FinishingThermalDiffusionIon implantation
Grinding Flame hardening Carburising Nitrogen implantation
Machining Induction hardening Carbonitriding Carbon implantation
Blasting Laser treatment Nitriding  
Peening Electron beam treatment Boriding  
    Aluminising  
Typical depth of penetration (mm)
0 0.01 - 2.5 0.001 - 1 0.0001
Typical substrate processing temperatures (°C)
20 - 100 800 - 1300 400 - 1100 20 - 100

SURFACE COATINGS
ChemicalPlatingPhysical vapour deposition PVDChemical vapour deposition CVDThermal sprayingWeldingCladding
Paints & polymers Electro-plating Vapour evaporation Moderate temperature Arc Gas Friction
Anodising Electroless Sputtering Plasma assisted Flame Arc Electro-spark
Electro-phoresis Hot dipping Ion plating Diffusion Plasma Laser Brazing
Sol-gel       HVOF   Explosive cladding
Typical thickness of coating (mm)
0.001 - 0.1 0.01 - 0.5 0.001 - 0.01 0.001 - 0.1 0.01 - 5 1 - 10 1 - 10
Typical substrate processing temperatures (°C)
20 - 100 20 - 100 300 - 600 200 - 1000 50 - 800 600 - 1400 400 - 1400

Further information

Also available as FAQs:

What is physical vapour deposition (PVD)?
What is ion implantation?
What is anodising?
What is carburising/carbonitriding?

What is plasma carburising/plasma nitriding?

See further information about Materials & Corrosion Management or please contact us.

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