Surface Finishing
| Surface Finishes | Description | Services | Applicable Materials |
|
As Machined |
The standard machined finish has a surface roughness of approximately Ra 3.2 μm (126 μin). Sharp edges are removed, and the parts are cleanly deburred. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Metals, Plastics |
|
Sand Blasting |
Abrasive media is propelled at high speed against the part surface to remove coatings, oxidation, contaminants, and surface imperfections while producing a uniform matte texture. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Metals, Plastics |
|
Tumbling |
Parts are placed in a rotating or vibratory finishing machine with abrasive media to smooth edges, remove burrs, and polish the surface. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Metals, Plastics, Glass |
|
Electropolish |
An electrochemical process that removes a thin layer of material from a metal surface to improve smoothness, remove burrs, and create a clean, bright finish. | CNC machining | Stainless steel, Copper, Aluminum |
|
Heat Treatment |
A controlled heating and cooling process used to modify the physical and, in some cases, chemical properties of a material to achieve the required hardness, strength, toughness, or other mechanical properties. | CNC machining | Metals |
|
Alodine |
A chemical conversion coating commonly applied to aluminum to improve corrosion resistance and provide a suitable surface for paint or other coatings. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Aluminum, Aerospace Alloys |
|
Anodizing |
An electrochemical process that forms a durable, corrosion-resistant oxide layer on the surface of aluminum or other suitable metals. Different colors and finish levels may be available. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Aluminum |
|
Teflon Coating |
A protective polytetrafluoroethylene coating applied to reduce friction, improve non-stick performance, and enhance chemical and corrosion resistance. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication, Injection molding | Metals, Plastics |
|
Black Oxidize |
A chemical conversion process that forms a black oxide layer on metal surfaces, improving appearance and providing limited corrosion resistance when combined with oil or another protective sealant. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Steel, Iron |
|
Electroless Plating |
An autocatalytic chemical process that deposits a uniform metal coating onto a substrate without using an external electrical current. | CNC machining, Injection molding | Metals, Plastics |
|
Electroplating |
An electrochemical process that uses electrical current to deposit a dense metallic coating onto the surface of a part for improved appearance, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, or conductivity. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Metals |
|
Painting |
A liquid coating process used to improve appearance and provide surface protection. Different colors, gloss levels, and coating systems may be available. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication, Injection molding | Metals, Plastics, Wood |
|
Passivation |
A chemical treatment used primarily on stainless steel to remove free iron and surface contaminants, helping restore and enhance the metal’s natural corrosion resistance. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Stainless Steel, Other Corrosion-resistant Alloys |
|
Powder Coating |
A dry finishing process in which electrostatically charged powder is applied to a surface and cured under heat to form a durable, high-quality protective coating. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication, Injection molding | Metals, Some Plastics |
|
Electrophoresis |
Also known as e-coating, this process uses electrically charged coating particles suspended in a liquid bath to create a uniform and corrosion-resistant finish, including on complex shapes and recessed areas. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Metals, Ceramics |
|
Brushed Finish |
A mechanical finishing process that produces a consistent, unidirectional satin texture on the metal surface. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Metals |
|
SPI Finish |
SPI mold finish standards define surface finish grades for injection molds and molded plastic parts, ranging from high-gloss polished surfaces to textured and matte finishes. These standards help maintain consistent appearance and functional performance in injection molding. | Injection molding | Plastics |
|
Polishing |
A mechanical finishing process that smooths the surface and creates a bright or reflective appearance. It can also remove minor scratches and imperfections for aesthetic or functional purposes. | CNC machining, Sheet metal fabrication | Metals , some hard plastics |
