SURFACE TECHNOLOGY

The basic idea of surface technology is the principle of functional separation between the volume of a component or of a tool and its surface. The volume fulfils a primary function (at least a particular shape) and displays additional properties such as weight, strength, workability but also e.g. a low price. With the surface technology process, the surface can then be optimised to meet a particular set of requirements, and thus fulfil other functions.

These can be:

• Mechanical protection (wear, friction)
• Barrier function (corrosion resistance, in-diffusion, thermal insulation)
• Boundary layer interaction (wettability, suitability for painting)
• Electrical function (conductivity, electrical insulation)
• Optical function (reflection, absorption, decoration)

Since there is hardly any material today that can fulfil on its own all the demands placed on it, the separate optimisation of the surface represents a major advancement.

• Metallic surfaces (plate coatings)
• Organic surfaces (painting / powder coating / plastic coating)

"(Source: Wikipedia)"