Metal Finishing

Metal finishing can put functional surface layers on a wide variety of metal (and plastic) products to change a surface's hardness, resistance to corrosion and lubricity, as well as to make surfaces biocompatible. Metal finishing also can be used to achieve decorative effects by changing the color, texture and shininess of a surface. Some of these effects are achieved through physical processes like brushing, abrasive blasting and polishing. Many are achieved through the use of chemicals, ranging from acids and alkalis, to metal containing solutions and cyanide containing chemistries.

Because of the volume and hazardous nature of the chemicals used in this industry, many of the wastes, emissions and releases are regulated. Regulations include rules for hazardous waste, water discharge, air emissions, Toxic Release Inventory, OSHA, Pollution Prevention Planning and others. These regulations, while protecting people and the environment, can be costly to comply with. They may provide an incentive to use hazardous chemistries in a safer, more-efficient way.

These Web pages offer ideas and resources for preventing pollution. They also provide information on the environmental and safety rules in Minnesota for metal plating and finishing.

If you have environmental questions related to metal finishing, contact Karl DeWahl at 612/624-4645 or e-mail Karl. From greater Minnesota, call 800.247.0015 and ask for Karl.