The importance of a properly designed floor in the metal-finishing industry cannot be overemphasized. Complex systems and a wide variety of chemicals, all under one roof, are commonly found in metal-finishing plants. The finishing plant floor is subject to punishment because of the continual handling of parts, which results in drips, spills and splashing; the presence of excessive moisture and humidity; and the destructiveness of the thermal shock, mechanical impact, cleaning methods and vibrations involved. Where spillage and drip occur and adequate protection is not provided, concrete floors are attacked unevenly, and the surface becomes rough. Supports for tanks resting on such floors also become uneven, and tanks may tend to change position slightly, perhaps tipping out of a true vertical position. In shops with automatic plating machines, any such movement can cause the equipment to misalign, scrape the tank sides or hang up. Three types of protection systems can be specified, depending on the service: corrosion-resistant brick or tile floors, monolithic resinous floors or polymer concrete.
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