SURFACE FINISHING SERVICES
The surface
your part needs.
Explore finishes for custom metal and plastic parts, with appearance, protection and dimensional requirements considered together.
Find a finishing process.
Compare finishing processes by function and substrate. Availability depends on material grade, part geometry and the engineering specification.
Showing 13 of 13 processes
| Finishing Process | Main Function | Common Materials | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anodizing | Corrosion resistance, color, surface hardness | Aluminum | Aerospace parts, housings, brackets |
| Hard Anodizing | Wear resistance, thicker protective layer | Aluminum | Mechanical components, sliding parts |
| Bead Blasting | Matte texture, cosmetic finish | Aluminum, stainless steel, plastics | Enclosures, visible components |
| Powder Coating | Durable colored coating | Aluminum, steel, sheet metal | Frames, covers, outdoor parts |
| Yellow Chromate Coating | Corrosion resistance, improved paint adhesion, electrical conductivity | Aluminum, magnesium, zinc-plated steel | Aerospace parts, automotive components, electrical enclosures, fasteners |
| Zinc Plating | Corrosion protection | Steel | Fasteners, brackets, industrial parts |
| Laser Cladding | Wear resistance, corrosion protection, dimensional restoration | Steel, stainless steel, nickel and cobalt alloys | Shafts, valves, molds, turbine parts and industrial components |
| Passivation | Corrosion resistance | Stainless steel | Medical, food-grade, precision parts |
| Black Oxide | Appearance and mild corrosion resistance | Steel, stainless steel | Tools, fixtures, mechanical parts |
| Alodine / Chromate Conversion | Corrosion resistance, conductivity support | Aluminum | Aerospace and electrical parts |
| Brushing | Directional cosmetic texture | Aluminum, stainless steel | Panels, covers, consumer products |
| Polishing | Smooth and glossy surface | Metal and plastic parts | Decorative and optical components |
| Laser Marking | Permanent identification | Metals and plastics | Logos, serial numbers, QR codes |
No matching processes.
Try a different term or reset the filters. Share your specification if you need a finish outside this library.
Typical applications describe possible uses, not application-specific qualification. Confirm the governing standard and any chemical or regulatory restrictions for conversion coatings and plating.
Start with what
the surface must do.
A cosmetic texture and a protective treatment solve different requirements. Use these options to prepare a shortlist for engineering review.
Corrosion resistance
Anodizing, passivation, zinc plating, electroless nickel plating, powder coating
Review substrate compatibility, dimensions and acceptance criteria before specifying a process.
Compare processes ↓Wear resistance
Hard anodizing, electroless nickel plating; confirm the required wear performance.
Review substrate compatibility, dimensions and acceptance criteria before specifying a process.
Compare processes ↓Matte appearance
Bead blasting, anodizing, powder coating
Review substrate compatibility, dimensions and acceptance criteria before specifying a process.
Compare processes ↓Colored finish
Anodizing, powder coating, painting
Review substrate compatibility, dimensions and acceptance criteria before specifying a process.
Compare processes ↓Stainless steel protection
Passivation, electropolishing, polishing
Review substrate compatibility, dimensions and acceptance criteria before specifying a process.
Compare processes ↓Aluminum protection
Anodizing, hard anodizing, alodine
Review substrate compatibility, dimensions and acceptance criteria before specifying a process.
Compare processes ↓Steel protection
Zinc plating, black oxide, powder coating, electroless nickel plating
Review substrate compatibility, dimensions and acceptance criteria before specifying a process.
Compare processes ↓Branding or identification
Laser marking, silk screen printing
Review substrate compatibility, dimensions and acceptance criteria before specifying a process.
Compare processes ↓Smooth cosmetic surface
Polishing, brushing, electropolishing
Review substrate compatibility, dimensions and acceptance criteria before specifying a process.
Compare processes ↓Match the finish to the substrate.
Material grade and condition matter. Use these starting points to compare options. Confirm each combination for the actual part.
| Material | Suitable Finishing Options | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Anodizing, hard anodizing, alodine, bead blasting, powder coating, brushing | Housings, brackets, aerospace parts, consumer products |
| Stainless Steel | Passivation, polishing, electropolishing, bead blasting, brushing | Medical parts, food-grade components, precision hardware |
| Carbon Steel | Zinc plating, black oxide, powder coating, electroless nickel plating | Fasteners, fixtures, mechanical parts |
| Alloy Steel | Black oxide, zinc plating, electroless nickel plating, powder coating | Tooling, shafts, structural parts |
| Brass | Polishing, brushing, plating, clear coating | Decorative parts, electrical components |
| Copper | Polishing, plating, brushing, protective coating | Electrical and thermal components |
| Titanium | Anodizing, polishing, bead blasting | Medical, aerospace, lightweight parts |
| Plastics | Bead blasting, polishing, painting, laser marking | Prototype housings, display parts, functional plastic components |
DEFINE THE ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
A finish name is a start.
A drawing makes it clear.
Include finishing requirements with your CAD files and drawing so the review covers both appearance and function.
Share your requirements ↗- Material & process
- Grade, condition, treatment type and applicable specification.
- Appearance
- Color reference, texture, visible faces and an agreed sample where needed.
- Dimensions & masking
- Coating thickness if required; threads, holes, fits and contact areas to protect.
- Inspection & records
- Acceptance criteria, inspection method and required documentation.
Finishing questions,
before production.
What is surface finishing in manufacturing?
Surface finishing is a post-processing method used to improve the appearance, durability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, or functionality of a manufactured part.
What surface finishing options are available for custom parts?
Common options include anodizing, hard anodizing, bead blasting, powder coating, electroless nickel plating, zinc plating, passivation, black oxide, brushing, polishing, painting, and laser marking.
Which surface finish is best for aluminum parts?
Common finishing options for aluminum include anodizing, hard anodizing, alodine, bead blasting, powder coating, brushing, and polishing. The best option depends on whether the part requires corrosion resistance, wear resistance, color, conductivity, or cosmetic appearance.
Which surface finish is best for stainless steel parts?
Passivation, polishing, electropolishing, bead blasting, and brushing are commonly used for stainless steel parts. Passivation is often selected when corrosion resistance is the main requirement.
Does surface finishing affect part tolerances?
Yes. Some finishing processes add coating thickness or slightly change surface dimensions. Tight-tolerance features, threads, holes, and mating surfaces should be reviewed before finishing.
Can prototypes receive surface finishing?
Yes. Prototypes can be finished for visual presentation, functional testing, design validation, or customer review. Common prototype finishes include anodizing, bead blasting, polishing, painting, and powder coating.
How should I specify surface finishing requirements?
You should provide the material, finish type, color, texture, coating thickness if required, masking areas, cosmetic surfaces, and any inspection standards or functional requirements.
Can one part use multiple surface finishes?
Yes. Some parts may require multiple finishing steps, such as bead blasting before anodizing or polishing before plating. However, finish combinations should be confirmed based on material and geometry.
Your part.
The complete specification.
Send your drawing, material, quantity and surface requirements. Let’s review the finishing route for your custom components.
Discuss your project ↗