
Metal coatings are used to separate structural metals from corrosive environments. They can be categorised into two groups: those that are more active than the base metal, such as zinc, and those that are more noble, such as chromium. Metal coatings are applied by processes such as chemical vapor deposition, thermal spraying, and electroplating. They are used to protect the underlying metal substrate from corrosion and other environmental factors. In the context of Pokémon, a Metal Coat is a type of held item that allows certain Pokémon to evolve and boosts the power of their Steel-type moves. For example, a Scizor holding a Metal Coat and using the Technician ability will increase the power of its Bullet Punch move.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Definition | A metal technician is a skilled professional who works with metal |
Education | 34.3% of metal technicians have a bachelor's degree |
Skills | Hand tools, CNC, engineering drawings |
Requirements | Proficiency in welding and metal fabrication, knowledge of safety regulations and best practices, ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics, ability to use a variety of manual and power tools |
Responsibilities | Set up metalizing machines, study engineering drawings to determine materials requirements and task sequences, perform inspections and maintenance on assigned shop equipment, analyze water and soil samples, operate metal winding machinery, welding equipment, and tools like torches and plasma cutters, repair and maintain equipment and parts using hand tools, use various techniques like SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW procedures to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals, prepare a variety of jigs, fabricate gates, railings, stairs, and fences, use specialized software to analyze data |
Salary | $35,641 per year or $17 per hour |
Industry | Manufacturing, construction, and maintenance |
What You'll Learn
Metal coatings for corrosion protection
Metal coatings are essential for protecting metals from corrosion, which occurs when metals are exposed to natural electrolytes like salt, oxygen, and water, forming oxides on the surface. Corrosion is a natural process that reverses the metal to its original state of ore, weakening it and making it more prone to damage. Most metals, especially stainless and carbon steel, are susceptible to corrosion.
There are various metal coating options available, each with its own advantages and considerations:
Zinc Coatings
Zinc is a popular choice for steel pieces due to its innate resistance to corrosion. It acts as a barrier between the iron or steel and the environment, forming a dense, adherent layer. Common zinc coating methods include sheet metal fabrication techniques such as hot-dip galvanizing, mechanical or zinc plating, and electrogalvanizing. Zinc coatings can also be applied through painting techniques like zinc-rich painting and metalizing/zinc spraying. Zinc is also available in a variety of colors and is thin, making it a versatile option.
Polyurethane Top Coat
Polyurethane top coat, also known as a urethane finish or epoxy coating, is a widely used corrosion prevention method, especially in commercial buildings that use stainless and carbon steel. It is an all-weather sealant that protects against corrosion, UV rays, and snow. It also provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish to the metal.
Powder Coatings
Powder coatings are another effective option for corrosion protection. They can be applied by spraying electrostatically charged powder onto the metal or by dipping the piece into a bed of fluidized powder. The coated piece is then cured in an oven, resulting in a firm and durable finish. Powder coatings can be customized with different colors and formulations to meet specific project needs, such as additional protection from abrasion, chemical exposure, or UV rays.
Inorganic Zinc Coatings
Inorganic zinc coatings are highly effective in preventing rust on steel and protecting against environmental factors like saltwater and harsh weather conditions. They are commonly used in chemical plants and refineries to shield equipment from deterioration.
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy coatings, similar to zinc-rich coatings, offer excellent protection for steel against rust, moisture, abrasion, and chemical erosion. They are also cost-effective, making them a budget-friendly option.
Anodisation
Anodisation is a popular method for improving corrosion resistance on aluminium. It involves immersing the material in a conductive solution, typically a low pH acid bath, and applying an electrical current to create an oxidation reaction at the metal surface. This process thickens the natural oxide on the surface, creating a protective layer of aluminium oxide. The thickness of the coating can be adjusted by varying the coating time, making it versatile for different applications.
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO)
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) uses plasma discharges to transform the metallic surface of light metals, forming a hard and dense adhesive oxide layer. It is a three-stage process that includes oxidation of the substrate, co-deposition of elements from the electrolyte, and modification of the resulting layer by plasma discharge. PEO is particularly effective for lightweight metals such as aluminium, titanium, and magnesium, providing higher hardness and chemical passivity compared to anodised coatings.
Chromate Conversion Coating
Chromate conversion coating is a highly effective corrosion resistance technique, despite facing increasing regulatory scrutiny. It involves applying chromic acid, sodium, potassium chromate, or dichromate solutions to clean metallic surfaces, leaving a passive film containing chrome (IV) oxide and hydrated compounds. This film provides high corrosion resistance and can self-heal by reforming a protective oxide film in damaged areas exposed to atmospheric oxygen.
Other Coatings
Other coating options include cadmium, a soft white metal that acts as a sacrificial coating, corroding away and protecting the underlying substrate. Black oxide coating is another inexpensive option, commonly used on black fastener bolts or nuts, although it offers limited corrosion resistance.
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Metal coatings for improved aesthetics
Metal coatings are applied to products and components to improve their performance and appearance. They are used across a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, medical, and electronics. One of the main benefits of metal coatings is their ability to improve the aesthetics of a product.
Metal coatings can enhance the visual appeal of a product by providing a smooth and uniform finish. They can be produced in various colours and finishes, allowing for customisation and heightening the visual appeal of the coated metal. This is particularly advantageous in industries where appearance matters, such as automotive and consumer goods. A smooth surface also makes cleaning and maintenance easier, keeping the coated product in good condition with minimal effort.
In addition to improving aesthetics, metal coatings offer several other benefits. They act as a protective barrier against corrosion and wear, extending the lifespan and durability of the coated product. Metal coatings can also increase load-bearing capabilities, reduce friction, ease assembly and disassembly, and improve electrical conductivity.
The type of metal coating used depends on the specific application and requirements. Common examples of metal coating materials include polymers such as epoxy, moisture-cure urethane, and polyurethane. Metal coatings can be applied through various processes, including hot-dip galvanizing, thermal spraying, electroplating, and sherardizing. Each process has its own advantages and is suitable for different types of materials and applications.
Overall, metal coatings play a crucial role in improving the aesthetics and functionality of products across various industries, contributing to their longevity and enhancing their visual appeal.
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Metal coatings for Pokémon evolution
Metal coatings are essential for the evolution of certain Pokémon species. Introduced in Generation II, the Metal Coat is a type of held item that enables specific Pokémon to evolve while also enhancing their Steel-type moves.
The Metal Coat is primarily associated with the evolution of Onix into Steelix and Scyther into Scizor. When these Pokémon are traded while holding the Metal Coat, they undergo their respective transformations, with the item being consumed in the process. The Metal Coat boosts the power of Steel-type moves by 20% in Generations IV and beyond, and by 10% in Generations II and III.
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the absence of held items means that the Metal Coat simply needs to be used on Onix or Scyther to initiate their evolution, although it is still consumed. Obtaining a Metal Coat can be challenging, with a very low drop chance of around 1% from spinning PokéStops and Gyms. However, players can increase their chances by taking advantage of bonuses, such as the 7th-day streak bonus, which offers a higher probability of receiving evolution items.
The Metal Coat plays a crucial role in the evolution of select Pokémon, serving as a catalyst for their transformation into more advanced forms. It is a sought-after item for trainers aiming to evolve Onix and Scyther into their Steel-type evolutions, Steelix and Scizor, respectively.
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Metal coatings for improved durability
Metal coatings are essential for enhancing the durability of metallic objects. They protect the metal from corrosion and rusting by acting as a barrier against environmental factors like humidity, moisture, and oxidation. Additionally, metal coatings improve the strength and longevity of metallic objects, making them resistant to wear and tear.
There are various types of metal coatings, each serving a specific purpose:
- Sherardizing: This process involves creating a protective zinc-iron alloy layer on steel or iron, resulting in a smooth and uniform coating.
- Galvanizing: A common technique used for steel, galvanizing involves applying a layer of zinc to the metal through electro- or hot-dip galvanizing, providing corrosion protection.
- Thermal Spraying: Also known as plasma spray or flame spray, this method utilizes a constant heat source to apply a coating material in wire or powder form onto a metal surface, improving its overall performance.
- Anodizing: Primarily applied to aluminum, anodizing involves immersing the metal in an electrolytic solution, creating a protective oxide layer that enhances corrosion resistance.
- Electroplating: This technique uses an electric current to deposit a thin layer of metal onto a metal substrate, improving wear qualities, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
The process of metal coating typically involves applying a thin layer of metal onto a substrate through various methods such as electroplating and thermal spraying. By fortifying the metal's surface properties, metal coatings enhance durability and protect against challenging environmental elements.
Furthermore, metal coatings are widely used across different industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing. They improve the functionality and longevity of metal items, making them an essential component in various applications.
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Metal coatings for improved functionality
Metal coatings are applied to the outer surface of an item to improve its performance and appearance. They are used across a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries. Metal coatings can be applied to metal components in liquid or powder form through various processes, including hot-dip galvanizing, thermal spraying, electroplating, and sherardizing.
Metal coatings offer several benefits, such as:
- Improved functionality: Metal coatings can enhance a product's functionality by reducing friction between two metal components, acting as torque agents or lubricants, increasing load-bearing capabilities, and easing assembly and disassembly.
- Protection: Metal coatings act as a protective layer, shielding the metal from harmful elements such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can cause oxidation and corrosion. This preservation of the metal's integrity also helps maintain its visual appeal.
- Durability: By protecting against physical damage, environmental factors, and chemical interactions, metal coatings increase the lifespan and performance of coated components.
- Aesthetic enhancement: Metal coatings improve the visual appeal of products, allowing for customization of color, shine, or texture. This is particularly important in consumer goods and brand identities.
- Cost savings: Metal coatings enhance the functionality and durability of metal parts, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs and resulting in long-term cost savings.
There are two main categories of metal coatings: organic coatings, such as paint coatings, and inorganic coatings, such as powder coatings. Organic coatings are primarily composed of a resin that dries to form a hard protective layer. Inorganic coatings, on the other hand, are often made from thermoplastic or thermoset polymers and provide superior protection against wear and tear.
The process of metal coating typically involves several meticulous steps, including surface preparation, coating application, curing, and quality control. Proper surface preparation is critical to ensuring the coating adheres correctly and forms a uniform and durable protective layer. The application process varies depending on the chosen coating technique, and the curing process allows the coating to harden and securely adhere to the metal surface. Quality control is essential to ensure the integrity and reliability of the coated metal component.
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Frequently asked questions
A Metal Coat is a type of held item introduced in Generation II. It is a special metallic film that boosts the power of Steel-type moves.
The ability Technician increases the power of moves with a base power of 60 or less by 50%.
Sure, let's take the example of Scizor using the move Bullet Punch. Bullet Punch has a base power of 40. With the Metal Coat, the power is increased by 20%, and with Technician, the power is further increased by 50%. So, the final power would be 40 x 1.2 (Metal Coat) x 1.5 (Technician) = 72.
Scizor and Scyther are two Pokémon that can take advantage of this combination. The Metal Coat boosts their Steel-type moves and Technician enhances their lower-powered moves.