---
title: Metal Finishing Glossary
description: It can be very confusing to understand what metal finishing in Massachusetts you require. Take a look at these terms to help you understand the differences.
---

[Metal Finishing Blog | AOTCO ](https://www.aotco.com/blog)

# [Metal Finishing Glossary](https://www.aotco.com/blog/metal-finishing-in-massachusetts-glossary)

 Written by [AOTCO](https://www.aotco.com/blog/author/aotco) | Jun 13, 2018

When you need polished metal, it can be very confusing to understand what kind of [metal finishing in Massachusetts](https://www.aotco.com/metal-finishing-processes/) you require, too. Take a look at these commonly used terms to help you understand the differences and also help you decide what you need.

 

## **Abrasive Blasting**

A method of smoothing a surface by shooting abrasive material against the metal surface.

 

## **Alloy**

An alloy is another metal made of two or more elements.

 

## **Anodizing**

A process that converts the metal surface to an anodic oxide. This also prevents corrosion. Anodizing often gets used on aluminum.

 

## **Conversion Coating**

Conversion coating is a process that converts the outer layer of a metal to another elemental makeup. The method can also improve corrosion resistance or conductivity.

 

## **Corrosion**

Corrosion is the deterioration of metal. A variety of reasons can cause it.

 

## **Electroless Nickel**

Another method of plating metal with nickel that doesn't require electricity.

 

## **Electroplating**

A method of plating metal using electrolytic deposition.

 

## **Electropolish**

A method of polishing metal using electricity.

 

## **Gold Plating**

A method of coating metal with gold. The process can also improve conductivity.

 

## **Hardcoat**

Hardcoat is an anodizing process that also creates a durable surface finish on the metal.

 

## **Masking**

A process where only part of the metal gets exposed to the finishing process.

 

## **Mechanical Cleaning**

Mechanical cleaning is a cleaning process that uses abrasives such as sandpaper instead of chemical cleaning agents.

 

## **Media Blasting**

A cleaning that involves blasting the metal surface with abrasives to remove dirt and also grease.

 

## **Passivation**

A metal treatment which also reduces the chemical activity on the metals’ surface.

 

## **Plating**

Plating is another finishing in Massachusetts process. The process involves covering the surface of a metal with another kind of metal.

 

## **Tin-Lead Plating**

Tin-lead plating is another plating method that coats the metal with a layer of tin and also lead.

 

For quality metal finishing in Massachusetts, contact AOTCO today. We're happy to help. Give us a call at (978)-667-8298 and see what we can do for you today!

[View full post](https://www.aotco.com/blog/metal-finishing-in-massachusetts-glossary)

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