Quality
Computer Controlled for Optimal Performance
We are able to program our computer-controlled system to utilize standard or customized “recipes” for your project, so we are able to meet your requirements and repeat them consistently on all coatings.
This means every piece we coat will have the same uniform and consistent coating.
Guaranteed Performance and Durability
Our PVD coated products are resistant to abrasions, and can even withstand repeated scouring with steel wool without tarnishing. This incredible durability means that your products will still look fresh out of the box even after many years of use.
We have tested our PVD finishes against over 100 common household products, from liquid cleaners and scouring powders to aerosols, lotions and gels. Not even highly corrosive salt air and sea mist can damage our PVD coating.
Quality Control Standards
Achieving consistently high quality is no accident. It requires defining standards and requirements, and adhering to specific proven methods to deliver outstanding results.
Inspection Levels
For Plating and Special Finishes Only
These requirements are for all parts received and finished by American Metal Finishing.
Definition of Areas
Area A |
Front-facing surfaces; all parts that are visible with a quick glance. |
Area B |
Behind the part that has low visibility. |
Area C |
Visible plated area sides or seen at a side view. |
Area D |
Areas not seen without trying to find the face or that become very hard to see when installed. |
Quality Control Level 0
Finish As Is
- Zero inspection on any stage of work, except part quantity count
- No polishing, buffing or sand blasting required
- Degrease / Except sand blasted parts
- No pre-plating inspection, except part quantity count
- Plate/powder coat as needed (only).
- No PVD will be accepted at 0 or 1 quality control.
Quality Assurance
- “Bad Brass” is acceptable for this level-0
- All finishes should cover significant surfaces, but ship as is
- Ship when ready. No part quality control – ship all parts.
- Verify quantity only by count or weight.
Quality Control Level 1
Finish As Is
- Zero inspection on receipt of parts, except part quantity count.
- Polish / Buff / Sand Blast as required / or satin per instruction.
- Vapor Degrease / Powder Coated Parts only prior to Powder Coating.
- Pre-plate inspection must document all surface problems on paperwork attached to the parts. Do not fix “bad brass.”
- Plate / powder coat as needed (only). No PVD at this level.
Quality Assurance
- “Bad Brass” is acceptable for this level.
- Chrome and Nickel coverage must be continuous
- Chrome and Nickel coverage must be continuous and cover all significant surfaces entirely (A and B).
- No visible finishing workmanship defects are acceptable.
- Porosity is okay for all finishes including out gassing on powder coating.
- Ship when ready.
- No part quality control required to ship all parts.
- Verify quantity by count or weight prior to shipping.
Quality Control Level 2
Questionable defects on part, quality control required to notify supervisor for direction when Bad Brass is found. A written inspection report with signature required to confirm potential factory problems.
Project Finish
- Pre-inspection for large dings or defects only. If found, re-bag or box. No work required – return to customer.
- Satin / Polish / Buff / Sand Blast as required.
- Vapor Degrease / Powder Coated Parts only prior to Powder Coating.
- Pre-plating inspection
- Inspect for “bad brass,” surface defects, discoloration, cavities, etc. Set aside bad brass and return to carton with grease pencil marks noting bad areas. No re-work will be performed on bad parts, unless customer agrees to pay for re-work
- Plate / Powder Coat / Antique as instruction indicates
Quality Assurance
- “Bad Brass” is not acceptable in A and B areas.
- Deposit must be lustrous, free of pits, organic contamination and particulates in areas A and B.
- There will be no interruptions in the surface deposit.
- Area C and D defects are ignored.
Quality Control Level 3
This is our standard quality control level for most of our customers.
High End Finish
- Pre-inspect incoming parts for all/any flaws, defects or transportation dings. Set aside bad parts. Advise manager and determine next step. Finish all other parts as needed
Satin / Polish / Buff / Sand Blast as required. Follow steps as outlined on sales order
- Vapor Degrease / Powder Coated Parts only prior to Powder Coating
- Pre-plate inspection
- No (“bad brass”), polishing defects, discoloration, cavities and other defects in A, B or C areas are acceptable – Notify manager of minor flaws to determine what action, if any, to Re-work part or not. A signature with directions are required on paperwork
- Powder coat, plate or PVD as required
- Note: Part must be salable not required to be perfect where flaws determine re-work or rejection
Quality Assurance
- “Bad Brass” is not acceptable in A, B and C areas.
- Deposit must be lustrous, free of pits, organic contamination and particulates in areas A and B.
- Minor defects are acceptable in C areas if not noticeable after installation.
- There will be no interruptions in deposit.
- D areas are acceptable as long as large flaws are not obvious.
Re-inspect all parts – Notify Plant Manager of all issues. Receive written instructions to follow
Quality Control Level 4
Post High-End Finishes
- Pre-inspect incoming parts for all/any flaws, defects or transportation dings.
- Satin / Polish / Buff / Sand Blast as required. For no “bad brass” defects requirement and advise Plant Manager of defective material
- Vapor Degrease / Powder Coated Parts only prior to Powder Coating
- Pre-plate inspection
- No (“bad brass”), polishing defects, discoloration, cavities or other defects in all areas are acceptable – Advise Plant Manager of all issues
- Powder coat, plate or PVD as required.
Quality Assurance
- “Bad Brass” is not acceptable.
- Deposit must be lustrous, free of pits, organic contamination and particulates in areas A, B and C.
- There will be no interruptions in deposit
- Re-inspect all parts – Notify Plant Manager of all questionable issues.
- Receive written instructions to follow
Quality Control Level 5
Premium Level (Zero Defect Quality)
- Pre-inspect all parts – zero defects are required – or return all parts to customer for their review without exception on customer-supplied parts.
- Satin / Polish / Buff / Sand Blast as required
- Degrease
- Pre-plate inspection (zero defects)
- No (“bad brass”), polishing defects, discoloration, cavities, nicks, scratches or other defects are acceptable in any area.
- Must be near perfect prior to next step (Note: American Metal Finishing acceptable in B, C and D areas)
- Powder coat, plate or PVD as required
- Re-inspect all parts prior to shipping. Notify Sales Department. If any parts are flawed, do not ship without American Metal Finishing president’s written approval
Quality Assurance
- Finish must be flawless on all surfaces.
- Part would not be finished if it were inspected correctly.
- No workmanship defects are accepted.
- Finish, fit and function are zero defects.