Surface Finishing

Surface Finishing Services

Your go-to machine shop for top-notch manufacturing and surface finishing. Get high-quality CNC machined metal and plastic parts with stunning surface finishes, including bead blasting, anodizing, powder coating, and more, all delivered in as fast as 7 days.

Options Of Surface Finish

Name	Used Materials	Color	Discriptions
Alodine	Aluminum, Copper, Magnesium	Clear, Yellow	Alodine is a protective chromate conversion coating used on aluminum and other metals to prevent corrosion. It enhances paint adhesion and maintains electrical conductivity while preserving the metal’s dimensions. Commonly used in aerospace and industrial settings, Alodine provides a durable, corrosion-resistant finish with minimal impact on the metal.
Anodizing	Aluminum, Titanium, Magnesium	Clear, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black, Orange, Purple, Red	Anodizing is an electrochemical process that enhances the natural oxide layer on metals, primarily aluminum, to improve corrosion resistance and durability. It also allows for vibrant color finishes and enhances surface hardness. Commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and architectural applications, anodizing offers both functional and decorative benefits.
Bead Blasting	Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel, Brass, Copper	Uniform matte of raw material color	Bead blasting is a surface finishing process that uses fine glass beads propelled at high pressure to clean or smooth metal, plastic, or other materials. It removes surface imperfections, rust, or paint, leaving a uniform, matte finish. Commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.
Black Oxide	All Materials	Black	Black oxide is a chemical coating process applied to ferrous metals to create a thin, corrosion-resistant surface with a black finish. It enhances appearance, minimizes light reflection, and provides mild rust protection. Commonly used in tools, firearms, and automotive parts for both protective and aesthetic purposes.
Brushing	ABS, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel	N/A	Brushing is a surface treatment technique that creates fine lines on a workpiece by grinding, enhancing its visual appeal. This process adds a decorative finish, improving both the texture and aesthetics of the product, making it more attractive and refined for various applications.
Chrome-Plating	Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel, Brass, Copper	Chrome	Chrome plating is an electroplating technique that applies a thin layer of chromium onto plastic or metal surfaces. This coating serves both decorative and functional purposes, providing corrosion resistance and enhancing surface hardness for improved durability.
Laser Engraving	All materials	Chrome	Both laser engraving and etching use the intense heat of a laser beam to create permanent marks on plastic surfaces. Engraving removes material to produce deep, lasting impressions, while etching uses heat to melt and shape the material.
Nickel Plating	Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel, Brass, Copper	N/A	Nickel plating is a process that deposits a layer of nickel onto metal parts, enhancing their surface gloss, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance. This treatment improves the overall durability and appearance of the product.
Pad printing	ABS, PP, PC, Nylon, PE, PET	N/A	Like silk screening, pad printing is an indirect offset printing method. A silicone rubber pad, curved to match the surface, is inked and then pressed onto the target surface to transfer words, patterns, and other designs.
Passivation	Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel	N/A	Passivation is a chemical process that slows the corrosion rate of metal materials, significantly extending the product's service life.
Powder Coating	All Metal Materials	Customized	Powder coating is a process where dry powder is applied to metal surfaces. The powder is typically applied electrostatically and then cured through heating or ultraviolet light.
Sand Blast	All Metal Materials	N/A	Sandblasting is a method of cleaning and roughening a product's surface using high-speed sand flow. This process achieves a specific level of cleanliness and varying degrees of surface roughness on the workpiece.
Silk Screening	All Metal Materials	N/A	Silk screening, also known as screen printing, is a technique that transfers a 2D image onto a 3D surface. Typically, a screen printing plate is created through a photochemical process, using a mesh to apply ink onto the substrate.
UV Coating	ABS, PP, PC, PE, Nylon	N/A	UV coating, or ultraviolet coating, is a process akin to painting. Clean components are evenly coated with paint and then quickly cured using ultraviolet light. This treatment provides enhanced resistance to scratches, wear, and chemicals.

Surface Fishining Paractices

As Machined

This finishing option offers the quickest turnaround time. Parts may have visible tool marks, sharp edges, and burrs, which can be removed upon request.

Factors	Features
Color	n/a
Texture	n/a
Price	$
Material	All materials

Smooth Machining

Smooth machining (Ra 1.6μm / Ra 63μin) is akin to an ‘As machined’ finish but features fewer visible machine marks. Parts are machined at a lower feed rate without hand polishing.

Factors	Features
Color	n/a
Texture	n/a
Price	$
Material	All materials

Polishing

Polishing (Ra 0.8μm / Ra 32μin or better) involves creating a smooth, shiny surface through rubbing or applying a chemical treatment.

Factors	Features
Color	n/a
Texture	Smooth, glossy finish
Price	$$$$
Material	All materials

Bead Blasted + Anodizing Type(Matte)

The parts undergo bead blasting to #120 grit before being treated with Type II anodizing, which enhances corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. This process results in naturally matte colors. The anodizing Type II film thickness ranges from 8-12 μm for clear or 12-16 μm for black and colored finishes.

Factors	Features
Color	Clear, black, blue, red, gold or any RAL code or Pantone number
Texture	Grit #120
Price	$$
Material	Aluminum

Bead blasted + Anodizing type II (Glossy)

Factors	Features
Color	Clear, black, blue, red, gold or any RAL code or Pantone number
Texture	Grit #120
Price	$$
Material	Aluminum

Bead blasted + Anodized type III (Hardcoat)

The parts are bead blasted to #120 grit before being treated with Type III anodizing. Type III Hardcoat provides a thicker, wear-resistant layer that enhances the corrosion resistance of Type II, making it ideal for functional applications. The film thickness for Anodizing Type III ranges from 25-50 μm.

Factors	Features
Color	Clear, black, blue, red, gold or any RAL code or Pantone number
Texture	Grit #120
Price	$$
Material	Aluminum

Diamond-Like Carbon Coating

DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating is a tough, wear-resistant layer composed of carbon-rich material, showcasing properties similar to those of diamonds.

Factors	Features
Color	Black
Texture	typically smooth and hard
Price	$$~$$$$
Material	Stainless steel, Titanium and its alloys, Aluminum and its alloys, Copper and its alloys, and Nickel and its alloys

Frequently Ask Questions

Which microinch finish is the smoothest?

The smoothest microinch finish is typically around 1-2 microinches (Ra), achieved through superfinishing or polishing processes, depending on the application.

What is the most common surface finishing process?

The most common surface finishing process is painting or coating, with anodizing and plating also widely used, especially in industries requiring corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. Machining finishes like grinding are also common for functional parts.