In sectors where mechanical demands, corrosion resistance, and wear are critical factors—such as the automotive, aeronautical, industrial machinery, and electronics industries—surface treatments for metal parts are not an option, but a strategic necessity. Through technologies such as anodizing, PVD coatings, electroless nickel plating, or galvanizing, it is possible to significantly increase the lifespan of metal components without compromising tolerances or geometries.
At Gestión de Compras, we have extensive experience specializing in these treatments, providing customized solutions for each project based on its end use, operating environment, and base alloy type.
Anodizing: Protection and insulation for light alloys
Anodizing is an electrolytic treatment that increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer on non-ferrous metals, especially aluminum. This porous and controlled layer substantially improves resistance to corrosion and abrasion, and can also serve as a base for coloring or technical sealing.
🔍 Technical advantages:
- Surface hardness between 200 and 600 HV, depending on the type (hard or decorative anodized).
- Thermal stability up to 350°C.
- Improved dielectric strength (widely used in electronics).
- Low dimensional impact (controlled growth, typically 10-25 µm).
Hard anodizing is used in transmission components, hydraulic systems, and parts in contact with humid or saline environments.
PVD Coatings: High hardness with zero dimensional compromise
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) allows thin layers of metal nitrides, carbides, or oxides to be applied to metal substrates using vacuum deposition. These layers, typically ranging from 0.5 to 3 microns, feature excellent surface hardness (up to 2500 HV) without affecting critical geometries.
🔍 Technical advantages:
- Low coefficient of friction.
- High resistance to friction and cavitation wear.
- Improved aesthetics (gold, black, and technical chrome finishes).
- Application in molds, cutting tools, and components subject to fatigue cycles.
In Gestión de Compras, we have managed the application of PVD coatings on high-value-added projects, such as drive shafts, punching dies, and molds for injection molding engineering plastics.
Electroless Nickel Plating: Uniformity and Precision
Electroless nickel plating deposits a layer of nickel-phosphorus on the metal surface without the need for electrical current. This method achieves uniform coatings even on complex geometries or internal parts, something unattainable with other methods.
🔍 Technical advantages:
- Dry hardness of up to 500 HV, which can be improved to 1000 HV with heat treatment.
- Excellent corrosion resistance in acidic or alkaline media.
- Ideal for critical tolerance parts and internal cavities.
This treatment is particularly useful for hydraulic components, valves, chemical industry equipment, and high-precision machined parts.
Galvanized: Efficient Protection for Large Series Production
Hot-dip galvanizing is one of the most widely used methods for protecting structural steels and large-volume parts against corrosion. By forming Zn-Fe intermetallic layers, long-lasting cathodic protection is achieved.
🔍 Technical Advantages:
- Typical thickness: 40–100 μm.
- Estimated service life of over 30 years in urban or rural environments.
- Ideal for structural parts, anchors, bolts, and heavy-duty hardware.
There are also variants such as electrolytic galvanizing, which allow for more controlled thicknesses for screws or threaded parts.
Treatment Selection: Key Criteria
When choosing a surface treatment, the following technical factors must be considered:
- Type of base material: Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, etc.
- Operating conditions: Temperature, humidity, abrasion, chemical exposure.
- Dimensional tolerances: Impact on coating thickness and uniformity.
- Aesthetic and functional requirements.
At Gestión de Compras, we advise our clients from the design phase to final execution, selecting the optimal treatment for each type of part, production volume, and operating environment.
🏁 Conclusion
Surface treatments are a strategic tool for extending the lifespan of metal components, ensuring their performance under demanding conditions, and reducing long-term costs. Whether a component is exposed to extreme thermal cycles, constant mechanical friction, or corrosive environments, there is a technical solution to improve its performance.
With our experience managing complex industrial projects across multiple sectors, at Gestión de Compras, we help our clients select and apply the most appropriate treatment technology for each case.
Are you interested in optimizing the durability of your metal components? Contact us and we will help you find the perfect solution.
