History

The Institute of Metal Finishing was founded in 1925, its title then being the Electroplaters and Depositors Technical Society. Its main purpose then was to disseminate technical information on electrodeposition by means of technical publications, technical meetings, conferences etc.

The area of interest broadened into the total gamut of surface finishing of metals when it assumed the title of the Institute of Metal Finishing in 1951.

Such processes embrace electro-plating, organic (paint) finishing, anodising, printed circuitry and ancillary methods of surface treatment.

More recently, the IMF has further broadened its interest to cover other aspects of surface engineering.