Surface Finishing

At CNCNOW, we offer a wide variety of surface finishes for our CNC milled and turned parts, and for components manufactured with EDM wire machining.

From anodization to brushing, powder coating and engraving, we can handle every step of the surface finishing process – simplifying the manufacturing process and providing you with surface finishing

To learn more about our surface finishes, just take a look at the page below, or contact the CNCNow team for more information.

Anodization (Type II & Type III)

Anodization is an electrochemical process used in aluminum, which results in the formation of a durable, corrosion-resistant and strong anodic oxide finish which will never chip and peel.

Type II anodization results in a relatively thin layer (8-12 μm) of material. It can be used to change the color of a component, and to make it more durable and corrosion-resistant. Type III anodization, often known as “anodizing hardcoat” consists of a thicker layer (50-125 μm) of material, and is used when durability, corrosion and wear resistance are essential.

Electroplating

Electroplating involves bonding a very thin layer of metal to your metal workpiece at a molecular level. The component is placed in a bath containing the dissolved metal. Then, an electric current causes the metal to be deposited onto the component, creating a uniform layer.

Electroplating can be done for purely cosmetic purposes, or to enhance corrosion resistance or other physical properties of a given component, depending on your needs.

Bead Blasting

Bead blasting is used to create a satin or matte finish with a raised surface texture. This removes tool marks, and is typically done for cosmetic purposes.

A stream of very small glass beads is blasted onto the component, creating this raised finish. The final texture of the finish depends on the size of the beads used to bombard the component.

Polishing

There are several different methods of polishing, and they all have a similar effect. Electropolishing uses an electrochemical process to remove burrs and cosmetic imperfections, and level out the surface of a metallic workpiece. It also “passivates” the material, adding a micro coating that helps prevent corrosion. Electropolishing is ideal for components that must be both highly polished and corrosion-resistant.

Standard mechanical polishing can also be used to create a very high shine in metal components. A series of decreasing-grit polishers are used on the component until it has a very smooth, mirror-like finish. Note that parts that are polished in this manner cannot have extremely tight tolerance requirements, due to the removal of some material during the mechanical polishing process.

Brushing

Brushing creates a smooth, satin-like finish on the surface of the material. Using a medium-grit polisher, the component is polished in a single direction, creating extremely shallow grooves in the material, and creating an appealing finish and texture

Note that brushing is NOT ideal for components that require high corrosion resistance.

Powder Coating

Powder coating uses a polymer-based paint. The paint and the component that is being painted are charged with opposing electric currents, which attracts a thin, even layer of paint to the surface of the component.

Then, the component is baked and cured to smooth and harden the painted finish. Powder coating is available in a wide variety of colors. It can also help with corrosion and wear resistance, and it creates a very smooth, uniform surface.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving uses a specialized laser tool to remove a very thin layer of material from the work material. It is typically used for decorative purposes, but also may be used to add information to a component or part, such as a part number, serial number, brand name, and other such details

It can usually be used alongside other surface finishes (anodization, polishing, powder coating, etc.) during the finishing process.

As Machined

If you choose not to have any additional surface finish applied to your part, you will get an “as machined” finish. This standard finish includes smoothing of any sharp edges and deburring to remove any metal burrs

However, tool marks will be visible in the finished piece, and it will have a surface roughness of approximately 126 μin.

Contact Us Now – And Start Your Project With CNCNOW

CNCNOW is the best choice for CNC machining, CNC milling and EDM wire machining in China. With our wide range of services and surface finishes, we can handle the end-to-end manufacturing of almost any metal or plastic part.

From prototypes to short production runs and large-volume orders, we do it all. If you need a reliable, trustworthy and consistent manufacturing partner, CNCNOW is the best choice. Contact us online now to get started.