Surface Engineering and coating

• Definition: Modification of near-surface structure, chemistry or property of a substrate in order to achieve superior
performance and/or durability. It is an enabling technology and can impact a wide range of industrial sectors.
- Combining chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering with metallurgy and materials science, it
contributes to virtually all engineering disciplines.
- It can be done on a given surface by metallurgical, mechanical, physical, and chemical means, or
by producing a thick layer or a thin coating.
- Both metallic and non-metallic surfaces can be engineered to provide improved property or performance.
Specific properties rely on surfaces
- Wear, friction, corrosion, fatigue, reflectivity, emissivity,
color, thermal/electrical conductivity, bio-compatibility, etc.
• Benefits
- Extend product life (durability)
- Improve resistance to wear, oxidation and corrosion
(performance)
- Satisfy the consumer s need for better and lower cost
components
- Reduce maintenance (reliability and cost)
- Reduce emissions and environmental waste
- Improve the appearance; visually attractivity
- Improve electrical conductivity
- Improve solderability
- Metallize plastic component surfaces
- Provide shielding for electromagnetic and radio frequency
radiation.
• By improving durability, it reduces waste of natural
resources and energy.
• Surface engineered automotive parts and components
can extend warranties and reduce emissions. For
example: A hardened engine valve will last a minimum of