F-Tech Precision Engineering offers a comprehensive range of CNC surface finishing techniques to suit any client requirement.
Each finishing requirement is different and may be dictated by the end-use applications of each sector, working environment or aesthetic considerations.
Powder coating is a dry coating process used as a finish for metal components.
Powder coating is applied to CNC machined parts as dry powder through an electrostatic process, then cured with heat. It provides a high-quality aesthetic finish for good functionality and durability.
Wet spray finishing is a more traditional means of applying paint to a metal component, resulting in an even thickness application of approximately 15 to 20 micrometres.
It is essential that the component is cleaned and prepared before the painting is carried out to ensure a high-quality finish.
The process is quick, cost effective, can be used on a range of material, provides a high-quality finish and is ideal for applications which cannot be heated.
In screen printing, a mesh is used to transfer ink onto the metal substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil.
The process can be applied to bare metal finishes or onto powder coated and wet sprayed finishes.
Unlike many other finishing techniques, silk screening is used only for decorative and aesthetic purposes and is ideal for printing numbering and lettering onto finished metal components.
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface of a machined component into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish.
Ideally suited to aluminium components, it can also be used on other non-ferrous metals.
Surtec 650 is a passivation process based on non-toxic trivalent chromium, suitable for aluminium, aluminium alloys and magnesium.
It is ideal for components requiring low surface resistance and high corrosion resistance as it gives an aesthetically pleasing finish and prepares the component surface for further finishes, such as wet spray painting.
The hard chrome plating process is used to deposit chromium on to a substrate. With high levels of adhesion, the plating is extremely hard and has a high level of toughness.
The chrome plating finish enhances durability, wear and hardness, whilst creating a low co-efficient of friction. The finish makes it ideal for metal-to-metal sliding applications.
F-Tech Precision Engineering regularly uses this process to provide a hard chrome deposit on aluminium shafts used in a range of bearing assemblies. The shafts are cylindrically ground to a specified finish.
Providing a thicker oxide layer than conventional anodising, hard anodising results in a much harder surface finish to an aluminium component, with better corrosion and wear resistance.
Mainly used at F-tech Precision Engineering to hard anodise bearing shafts, the shaft surface can then be cylindrically ground to a specified size and finish.
Hardening and tempering of steel components is used to give them the mechanical properties suitable for their intended use.
The components are heated to their appropriate hardening temperature, held at temperature and then rapidly cooled or quenched, generally in oil or water. A tempering process follows, which develops the final mechanical properties and relieves stress.
F-Tech Precision Engineering again uses this process on a range of our manufactured steel shafts, giving a combination of hardness, strength and toughness. The shafts are cylindrically ground to a specified size and finish.
Chromating on magnesium is used to prevent corrosion and material degradation.
Used on the magnesium castings manufactured by F-Tech Precision Engineering, the finish works like a coat of paint, protecting the cast magnesium surface.
With sheet metal and CNC precision engineering under the same roof, we can offer a wide range of manufacturing capabilities from complex, one-off and bespoke projects to large scale batches of simpler components.
Drawing on over 40 years of engineering and design expertise, our design engineers understand design for manufacture, allowing us to combine first class component design and consultancy services with engineering.
Our prototyping services include multi-axis CNC machining, laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication and welding. We manufacture one-off complex machined prototype parts, sheet metal enclosures, full assemblies and pre-production runs.
To find out more about our team, our process or our expertise, get in touch with a member of our friendly customer services team.
