Coated metals

• Coated metals include anodised aluminium, nickel-plated steels and polymer-coated aluminium
• Anodised aluminium is aluminium with a thick oxide layer created by passing a current through an electrolytic solution. This process increases resistance to corrosion and wear, and makes it easier to paint and glue
• Nickel-plated steel uses the process of electrolysis to add the metal nickel to a steel object. This allows us to use a strong and relatively cheap material such as steel and coat it in a thick layer of more expensive nickel, which is corrosion resistant and can add an attractive finish to a product
• Polymer-coated aluminium can be created by dip coating or powder coating the aluminium. Polythene is often used in powder form for dip coating, whereby the metal is dipped into a liquid polymer. This process is used for products such as dishwasher racks and tool handles

  
• Powder coating is similar to dip coating but the powder is sprayed on to the metals and then cured in an oven. These products tend to be more expensive than standard ones as they are particularly hardwearing
• Both dip coating and powder coating processes create a layer of plastic around the metal which reduces the impact of exposure to air and moisture, and provides an attractive and potentially colourful finish to the product