Metal finishes applicable to the school shop

Abstract

Scope of Study: The information presented in this study was derived from technical publications in the area of metal finishing. An attempt is made to note the significance of the subject by a survey of other studies and periodicals related to metal finishing in industrial arts metalworking courses. An interpretation of the processes of metal finishing which are adaptable to the metal shop is made in an effort to simplify the technicalities of the subject. The processes surveyed are divided into two broad areas of metal finishing. Those based on mechanical surface treatment are reviewed first. A detailed study of the chemical surface treatments is then made. equipment to be used is discussed and comments are made on the fabrication of portions of the equipment.

The investigation resulted in the observation that there are many industrial finishing processes which can be adapted to the school shop. Some of these are presently used for finishing metal projects, while others are entirely new to industrial arts metalworking. Very few studies have approached the problem of metal finishing. Instructors may vary the mechanical treatment given metal to produce a finished surface with a minimum of revision in the present equipment of the metal shop. The tendency of most instructors is to use organic finishes. Metal finishes can be enhanced by using electroplating. Vitreous coatings are easily applied to small metal objects and represent a parallel to industrial experiences. A list of recommended equipment to broaden the finishing area is given. Five additional studies in the area of metal finishing are suggested as being of value to industrial arts metalworking. A final recommendation is made concerning the reporting of major researches in periodical literature.