Fishermen are among the most superstitious people in the world, and their superstitions affect the type of equipment that they use. As a result, hook manufacturers generally offer their products in a wide range of colors and finishes. Your company manufactures a range of hooks from AISI 1080 carbon steel wire, forming them to precision shape (eye, bends, barbs, and point) and then heat treating them by a quench and temper treatment.
Consider the size and shape of the product and the various properties that are required. The hooks must be strong enough to resist bending, but not so brittle that they might break. They must be corrosion-resistant to both fresh and salt water, and the desired appearance must be provided without fouling the point or the barbs. If the surface is applied before heat treatment, it must endure that process and maintain its appearance. If it is applied afterward, it cannot weaken or embrittle the hook.
a. Of the various surface modification processes, which ones might be attractive for such an application?
b. For each of the possible processes, describe the advantages, limitations, possible colors or finishes, and relative cost