Exploring Metal Finishing Techniques: The Basics of Bead Blasting

Professional metal polishing is a thriving industry; one which companies such as Badger Anodising (Birmingham) Ltd actively engage in. In fact, without metal polishing, we wouldn’t see shiny back plates on smartphones, car rims that are almost as reflective as mirrors, and sturdy aluminium cookware. Various types of standard metal finishing techniques abound, each with its own set of perks and uses. One such technique is known as bead blasting, which is occasionally also used in materials such as tougher plastics. Bead blasting works due to friction—tiny beads of glass slowly chip away at impurities on the surfaces of materials being treated, resulting in a refurbished finish. Vehicle restoration is the most common application for this, but since then it has also branched out to refinishing metal toys and machines.
http://www.badgeranodising.co.uk/exploring-metal-finishing-techniques-the-basics-of-bead-blasting/

Aluminium Polishing and Finishing Processes: The Story of the Soda Can

During your moments of soda drinking, have you ever paused for a little bit and pondered on the can in your hand? If you’re like most people, your answer is probably never, and that is completely understandable. Soda cans have become so ingrained in people’s daily lives that it’s almost trivial for anyone to wonder about them—people all over the world go through about 180 billion aluminium beverage cans in a year, often totally oblivious of the fact that the seemingly meagre cans in their hands are actually marvels of engineering. Soda cans as we know them today have been around since the ‘60s, when they were being used for frozen juice concentrate. Then, the American company Reynolds Metals Co. saw an opportunity for aluminium through a survey—they found out that people actually preferred aluminium over tin-plated steel. That opened the flood gates for the production of aluminium beverage cans, which still remain widely used today.
http://www.badgeranodising.co.uk/aluminium-polishing-and-finishing-processes-the-story-of-the-soda-can/

Why Cookware Should Be the Domain of Professionally Anodised Aluminium

When it comes to cookware, people technically have only two good choices: so-called “non-stick” cookware and those made of professionally anodised aluminium. These two types of cookware are usually pitted against each other, though it shouldn’t be the case all the time. Case in point: anodised aluminium. The latter is essentially conventional aluminium which has been oxidised so that its surface doesn’t react with anything anymore. Aluminium on its own is good in a lot of ways: it conducts heat efficiently, allowing for less lost time due to waiting for a pan to heat up, and the resulting surface from the anodising process actually makes it much better than a standard non-stick option. Furthermore, anodised aluminium cookware doesn’t scratch or chip, and are sturdy enough to withstand temperatures of up to 204 degrees Celsius.
http://www.badgeranodising.co.uk/why-cookware-should-be-the-domain-of-professionally-anodised-aluminium/

Bead Blasting Stainless Steel: Improving its Appeal and Properties

For many years now, stainless steel has been utilised by many industries and had been used for different purposes, including the construction of buildings. Although stainless steel on its own has corrosion and oxidation resistant properties, they could be better enhanced by undergoing bead blasting. Glass bead blasting not only improves upon the surface properties of stainless steel, but it also further increases its aesthetic appeal.
http://www.badgeranodising.co.uk/bead-blasting-stainless-steel-improving-its-appeal-and-properties/

Colour Anodising Aluminium: The New Standard for Wearable Gadgets

"The introduction of the newest Apple gadget, the Apple Watch, isn’t exactly a new idea. Even before the introduction of the Watch, there had been numerous other kinds of wearable tech; some of them needed a smartphone to function properly while others had the capabilities of a smartphone. Most of these wearable gadgets pack numerous features, like apps measuring and keeping track of your fitness and music playing capabilities. When the Apple Watch first rolled out into the market, however, one of the first things that struck most people was its design. Unlike most wearable gadgets made available in the market recently, the Apple Watch has introduced a sleeker, modern-looking design made possible by colour anodising aluminium."
http://www.badgeranodising.co.uk/colour-anodising-aluminium-the-new-standard-for-wearable-gadgets/

Anodising Aluminium: Improving New iPhone Models and Other Products

"When the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus was first introduced in the market, users noticed and complained that their units, made of slim aluminium, tend to bend out of their original shape after being placed in their pockets. This tendency of most iPhone 6 and 6 Plus phones caused much uproar among Apple users, with these units earning much criticism due to their potential “bendability”. To ensure that Apple customers will no longer encounter this problem, popularly dubbed the “bend gate”, on their next generation smartphones, there are rumours that the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 7 will be made of the same materials used in the recently released Apple Watch Sport edition, which involves expertly anodising the aluminium with tint zirconia beads for a stronger phone. These anodised materials are said to be 60 per cent stronger than most common, untreated aluminium and just as lightweight."
http://www.badgeranodising.co.uk/anodising-aluminium-improving-new-iphone-models-and-other-products/

Metal Polishing and Finishing Processes: Upgrades for Metal Products

"When you're selling products or services, you’d want to set yourself apart. You'll have to be better than the competition in some way. In the fields where metals are used as materials, you'll want your metallic creations to be durable and eye-catching. Thorough metal polishing is just one way to do just that. Polishing and other metal finishing processes can improve your metal products enough to get them noticed in a competitive market. First of all, metal finishing can ensure that metals are more attractive. Most raw metals are rough and have surface flaws. Metal finishing removes these problems and makes your products nice to look at. Second, metal finishing makes metals tougher. Most finishing techniques provide a protective layer of coating after they are completed. This ensures that the metal is resistant to wear and tear. Finally, it is easier to clean finished metals. The smooth surface and the protective layer keep dust and dirt off. Here are some popular methods of metal f
http://www.badgeranodising.co.uk/metal-polishing-and-finishing-processes-upgrades-for-metal-products/