Anodizing
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that grows a controlled aluminum oxide layer from the base metal of aluminum (and, with different chemistry, titanium) parts.
Read guideFinishes
Surface Finishes
Finishing changes how a part looks, wears, conducts, and resists corrosion. Use this guide to choose a starting point, then specify the finish and any standard on your drawing.
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Finish guides
Powder Coating
Powder coating applies a dry, electrostatically charged polymer powder that is heat cured into a continuous, durable film.
Read guideBead Blasting
Bead blasting propels fine media, typically glass beads, at a part surface to create a uniform matte or satin texture.
Read guidePlating & Conversion Coatings
Plating deposits a thin metallic layer to add corrosion resistance, wear resistance, conductivity, or appearance.
Read guideHard Anodizing (Type III)
Type III hardcoat anodizing is a low-temperature, higher-current-density sulfuric acid anodize that builds a thick, dense oxide layer on aluminum.
Read guideChem Film (Chromate Conversion)
Chem film is a chemical conversion coating for aluminum that improves corrosion resistance and paint adhesion while keeping the surface electrically conductive.
Read guidePassivation
Passivation is a chemical treatment, usually nitric or citric acid, that removes free iron and contaminants from stainless steel surfaces so the chromium-rich passive layer can form uniformly.
Read guideBlack Oxide
Black oxide converts the surface of ferrous metals into magnetite, giving a uniform matte or semi-gloss black.
Read guideElectropolishing
Electropolishing is an electrochemical process that removes a thin layer of metal, preferentially from microscopic peaks.
Read guidePainting
Wet painting applies liquid paint by spray to metal or plastic parts.
Read guideBrushing & Polishing
Brushing uses abrasive belts or pads to create a uniform linear grain.
Read guideLaser Engraving & Marking
Laser marking adds permanent text, serial numbers, logos, and barcodes to parts without inks or labels.
Read guideComparison
Finish overview
| Finish | Typical materials | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| As machined | All machined parts | Tool marks visible; edges deburred unless specified |
| Bead blasting | Metals, many plastics | Uniform matte texture |
| Anodizing Type II / III | Aluminum, titanium | Corrosion, color, wear (Type III) |
| Chem film | Aluminum | Conductive corrosion protection, paint base |
| Powder coating | Steel, aluminum, stainless | Durable colored coating |
| Electroless nickel | Steel, aluminum, copper alloys | Uniform wear and corrosion layer |
| Zinc plating | Carbon steel | Sacrificial corrosion protection |
| Passivation | Stainless steel | Restores passive layer |
| Black oxide | Steel | Dark, low-glare surface |
| Polishing / brushing | Metals, some plastics | Cosmetic appearance |
| Dyeing / vapor smoothing | SLS / MJF nylon | Color and smoother printed surfaces |
| Painting / texture | Plastics and metals | Color matching, molded textures by tool |
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