Basic Design Principles

For a detailed appreciation of the "best practice" methods for design for surface engineering, please contact the SEA office. We can put you in contact with leading industry experts that can help you choose the best option for your design/specification and purchasing needs.

Some of the basic principles that are key to effective surface engineering design are given below:

1. Develop supply chain partnerships to arrive at the best practice for the surface engineer and yourselves. A relatively small input from your surface engineering company, into the design/specifying/buying process, may save you a great deal of cost and anguish in the long term.
2. Don't expect a silk purse from a sow's ear. Deficiencies in product manufacture are unlikely to be recovered by the finishing process. Papering over the cracks does not work.
3. Some shapes are difficult if not impossible to process. Consideration should always be given to the following points:

• Are there blind holes in the part to be processed?
• Are there recesses in the part to be processed?
• Can processing liquids drain easily from the component?
• Are there holes/brackets that can be used to hang or make electrical contact?
• Do you have a specification that controls the quality of the surface engineering process?
• Is your surface engineer aware of it?
• Are there any points of care on the component?
• Is special packaging needed?