Getting a part made is just one step. Making sure it’s finished, treated, and ready to install is where true efficiency lies. That’s where value-added finishing comes in.
At Stephens Gaskets, we do more than manufacture components. We offer a complete service – handling secondary processing like heat treatment, galvanising, plating, anodising, and more – so you receive a fully finished, ready-to-use part without the hassle of coordinating multiple vendors.
What Is Value-Added Finishing?
Value-added finishing refers to the secondary processes applied to a component after it has been cut, pressed, turned, or moulded. These processes improve:
- Durability and wear resistance.
- Corrosion protection.
- Appearance and surface finish.
- Mechanical properties.
- Cleanliness and readiness for assembly.
Instead of leaving clients to arrange these services independently, we manage them as part of our turnkey offering.
Why It Matters
In many sectors, raw or untreated parts are not suitable for final use. For example:
- Automotive components may need zinc plating for corrosion resistance.
- Aerospace washers might require heat treatment to meet tensile requirements.
- Aluminium components could be anodised for visual and functional finishes.
- Stainless steel parts may require electropolishing or passivation.
By handling these treatments on your behalf, we ensure a consistent, reliable result – on time and to spec.
Services We Manage
We work with trusted UK finishing providers to offer a wide range of secondary processes, including:
Heat Treatment for Components
- Case hardening.
- Through hardening.
- Tempering and annealing.
- Solution treatment for stainless steel and aluminium.
These treatments are used to enhance mechanical properties such as hardness, strength, or ductility.
Plating Services for Metal Parts
- Zinc, nickel, or chrome plating.
- Electroless nickel plating.
- Copper plating for electronics.
- Gold or silver plating for high-spec applications.
Plating adds corrosion resistance and improves electrical conductivity or appearance.
Anodising Service UK
- Natural or colour anodising for aluminium.
- Sulphuric and hard anodising.
- Decorative or functional finishes.
- Ideal for aerospace, electronics, and architectural applications.
Galvanising
- Hot-dip galvanising for steel protection.
- Commonly used in construction, power, and marine sectors.
Annealing and Stress Relief
- Used to soften metals, relieve internal stresses, and improve machinability.
- Particularly useful for formed or laser-cut parts.
Parts Cleaning and Preparation
- Ultrasonic cleaning.
- Degreasing.
- Vapour cleaning for medical and food-safe applications.
This ensures your parts arrive clean, contamination-free, and ready for assembly or packaging.
One Supplier. One Schedule. One Standard.
Managing multiple subcontractors for finishing can add delays, risk, and admin time to your workflow. By consolidating everything with a secondary processing supplier like Stephens Gaskets, you gain:
- One point of contact.
- Clear, consolidated lead times.
- Unified quality control.
- Less admin and logistics overhead.
- Faster delivery of ready-to-use parts.
Many customers come to us for manufacturing – and stay because we manage the whole journey from raw part to finished component.
Common Industries We Support
These services are vital across the sectors we work with, including:
- Automotive and motorsport: corrosion-resistant, hardened, or plated parts.
- Aerospace and defence: certified finishing and documentation support.
- Rail and marine: galvanised or anodised components.
- Electronics and telecoms: plated or cleaned metal parts.
- Medical and food: polished or vapour-cleaned parts for hygienic usev
We adapt finishing methods to match the application and specification requirements of each industry.
How It Works – Our Process
Working with us on value-added finishing is simple and efficient:
1. Send Your Spec
Include finishing requirements in your drawings or RFQ. If you’re unsure what process you need, we’ll advise.
2. Manufacture
We produce the part using laser cutting, pressing, CNC machining, or moulding.
3. Arrange Finishing
We coordinate the necessary secondary processing with our approved partners.
4. Inspection and Dispatch
Once finishing is complete, we inspect and pack your order for delivery.
No need to book your own subcontractors or manage transport between facilities.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets?
- One-stop service from raw material to finished part.
- Approved finishing partners with proven quality.
- Fast, reliable delivery with less admin.
- Technical advice and clear communication.
- ISO 9001:2015-certified quality assurance.
Our goal is to provide more than parts – we deliver solutions that save you time and improve your operations.
FAQs
1. Can I supply my own parts for finishing only?
In some cases, yes. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
2. Do you provide finishing certification?
Yes. Certificates of conformity or finishing documentation can be provided upon request.
3. How much longer does finishing add to lead time?
This varies by process but typically adds 2-5 working days. We always provide accurate lead times upfront.
4. Can I choose the exact finish spec or standard?
Yes. Let us know the applicable standard (e.g. ASTM, BS, ISO) and we’ll ensure it’s met.
Final Thoughts
Finishing matters just as much as forming. By choosing a supplier who handles both, you gain consistency, speed, and peace of mind. Whether you need heat-treated washers, plated gaskets, or anodised brackets, Stephens Gaskets has the experience, partners, and processes to deliver.
Let us help you take your parts from raw to ready-to-install-without adding complexity to your supply chain.
Ready to Streamline Your Supply Chain?
If you’re tired of chasing subcontractors or managing fragmented deliveries, we can help. Our value-added finishing services give you a simpler way to get the components you need – complete, compliant, and ready to use.
Request a quote or speak to our team today:
Phone: +44 (0)121 544 5808
Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk