Water Jet Cutting Finishing Processes / /
Finishing processes can upgrade the surface of the part to have a professional surface finish. In addition to an improved appearance, finishing can add strength, rust resistance, metal conductivity and more. Painting, deburring, transfers, drilling, and assembly are some of the finishing methods offered by Fathom.
Painting
Painting can add color, ink, or varnish to a part. Powder coating, liquid coating, or e-coating may be used to paint a part. Powder coating uses an electrostatically charged powder which leaves a scratch-resistant, even coat on the part. Liquid coating involves applying wet paint directly to the part. E-coating dips the part into a bath of paint which is then electrified. After it has been electrified, the paint adheres to the part.
Transfers
Transfers are used to add a label or design to a part. The design is placed onto the part and a heated press is used to apply pressure. The design is then transferred to the part. This method can also be used to print a design that will later be engraved onto the part.
Assembly
If a part is a smaller piece of a larger part then assembly is needed. During the assembly step, the workpiece is fused with other parts to create the final product. Fasteners or bonding procedures may be used to join the parts together temporarily or permanently.
Drilling
Drilling adds a round hole to a part. Pieces are drilled using a drill press, tapping or milling machine. Spotting or peck drills may be used, depending on the type of hole required.
Deburring
Deburring can remove any imperfections when a part has raised edges or burrs to create a smooth surface finish. Deburring may involve electrochemical deburring, thermal deburring, or abrasive flow deburring. Electrochemical deburring uses an anodic metal dissolution to remove excess material. Thermal deburring uses a combustible gas in a pressurized chamber to smooth a part. Abrasive deburring uses an abrasive slurry to remove burrs.