| Search our quarter-million Q&As |
Home of the finishing HOTLINE since 1989
-----Metal Choice and Coating and for short outdoor durability
April 7, 2008
Hello
I'm a mechanical engineer, developing portable gardening equipment, mostly made of plastic (PP).
I have a new product that has two metal legs that will stand on the ground (grass, soil, concrete, etc.). The legs are designed to be made of a banded 22mm thin pipe (0.8mm for cheapest carbon steel). Leg length, before bending, is 80cm. A portion of the pipe is actually lying on the ground.
The legs color should be a good looking bright metal.
For now I'm considering a few options of material and coating:
- Carbon steel, panted. Probably using Epoxy-Polyester (metallic shade).
- Carbon steel, with metal plating like zinc, Ni-Ca or other.
- Aluminum, with metal plating like anodizing or other.
- Stainless steel.
It should hold for 3 years outdoor in the garden.
What do you suggest?
What is the most cost effective solution?
Do you have another solution that is not mentioned above?
I'll be grateful for a profound and quick reply.
Many thanks,
Customer - Israel
Hi, Eran. I think phosphating followed by powder coating would be the least expensive thing that would meet your needs.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
April 8, 2008
Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.