Finishing

While the contributions and impact of technology are impossible to deny, product finishing is still an art form and it is still judged on aesthetics. Regardless of the investment made in a finely crafted component, if the finish is flawed or inconsistent it can threaten the credibility of the entire production process and damage the reputation of the company that made the part.

The bulk of finishing is done by spraying and there are several ways to do it efficiently, with minimal overspray. In larger production scenarios – automotive or aerospace components, for example, much of the application is done with robotics that deliver with precision that humans cannot achieve. In smaller production shops the components might travel on an automated linear track, where paint is applied by spray guns that are programmed, or by employees stationed online with hand-held spray guns.

If the components are metal, they may be powder coated – charged particles of paint – like a fine mist – are applied to a charged component, then baked at high heat in an oven to form a hard, durable finish.

With the exception of some plastics, ovens are used to cure many painted components. Heat not only improves the finish, but it also speeds production as many parts often receive several coats of paint, sometimes in varying colors.