Automation and Assembly Integration

We provide high-quality, commercial anodizing services for aluminum components designed for integration and assembly applications with our precision-engineered coatings.

Assembly and automation engineering, by definition, build custom machines to do specific tasks.

When it comes to metal finishing for components used in automation and assembly integration, there are several options to consider. Steel and aluminum are the primary metals used by integrators in the automation industry.

Aluminum is often used in machined components such as push bars, sorters, line sleds, robotic (EOAT) and a myriad of other components that are in direct contact with the products being processed. Aluminum is used extensively due to its high-strength and light weight.

Component manufacturers for automation companies often use the following services after CNC machining automated assembly line components and on associated required hardware:

Plating and Conversion Coatings Typically Used by the Integration and Assembly Industry:

• Electroplating: Involves immersing the component in a bath containing metal ions (such as zinc, nickel, chromium, or cadmium) for coating. It improves durability, surface friction characteristics, corrosion resistance, and aesthetics.
  
  
• Anodizing: Increases wear and corrosion resistance by thickening the natural oxide layer on metal surfaces. It also enhances adhesion for primers and glues when the part is a component in a larger product assembly.
  
  
• Polishing: A multi-step process that begins with mass finishing (e.g., tumble finishing, lower to increasingly higher grit surface prep) to smooth the parts. Then, it moves on to a polishing stage that brightens and shines each component. We usually receive components from the manufacturers at this “rough” stage for final finishing.
  
  
• Passivation: Enhances corrosion resistance for stainless steel and other metals. It removes free iron and surface contaminants, improving longevity and safety. Stainless steel is used extensively in health/medical products manufacturing and automated food preparation operations.

The above finishing methods are generally compatible with many disinfection and cleaning methods. Also, many of these finishing processes provide additional chemical and abrasion resistance enhancing longer part life and longer intervals between maintenance or replacement.

Maintenance downtime is a critical factor for high-volume, automated assembly environments. Our premium finishes can help, call today.