S A Metal Finisher was first published in October 2003 in anticipation of the amalgamation of the metal finishing associations of Gauteng, KZN and the Cape that was effected in February 2004. It quickly gained the respect and support of the industry and depending on the priority of SAMFA activities, is published at roughly four monthly intervals. It will be complemented every alternate year by the annual SAMFA Metal Finishing Guidebook and Buyers Guide.

The SAMFA Metal Finishing Handbook and Buyers Guide that was published for the first time during January 2008 has been designed to meet a need in the industry for a trade publication of use to those that  need technical information about metal finishing services, whether as trainees, consultants, design engineers, producers of metal products by any method.

It also serves an important role in promoting the interests of the metal finishing industry in South Afrcia. .