Secondary Operations
Surface Finishing Services
Specify protection, friction, appearance, conductivity, cleanliness, marking, and masking in the same RFQ as the manufactured part.
- Metal Finishes
- Anodize, plate, passivate, black oxide, conversion coat
- Applied Coatings
- Powder coating, wet paint, specialized coatings
- Mechanical Finishes
- Blast, brush, polish, tumble, deburr, grind
Selection
Choose a finish from the part's actual requirement
Corrosion Protection
Match exposure, substrate, coating thickness, and environmental durability.
Wear and Friction
Define sliding contact, abrasion, hardness, lubrication, and dimensional buildup.
Cosmetic Appearance
Identify visible zones, color standard, gloss, texture, grain, and sample approval needs.
Electrical Performance
State conductivity, grounding, insulation, contact, shielding, and masked surfaces.
Finish Library
Available finishing families
| Finish Family | Common Options | Typical Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Treatments | Type II anodize, hard anodize, conversion coating | Corrosion, appearance, wear, electrical behavior |
| Steel Treatments | Black oxide, zinc plating, nickel plating, phosphate | Corrosion control, appearance, wear, assembly |
| Stainless Treatments | Passivation, electropolishing, bead blast, polish | Cleanliness, corrosion performance, smoothness, appearance |
| Applied Coatings | Powder coat, wet paint, specialty protective coatings | Color, UV, chemical exposure, impact, environmental protection |
| Mechanical Finishes | Deburr, tumble, brush, blast, polish, grind | Edge condition, texture, reflectivity, preparation, dimensional control |
| Identification | Laser marking, engraving, labels, screened graphics | Serials, logos, instructions, traceability |
RFQ Requirements
Remove ambiguity from finish callouts
Name the Standard
Include governing specification, type, class, grade, thickness, color, and accepted alternatives.
Mark Masked Areas
Identify threads, bores, contacts, sealing surfaces, datums, and press-fit features that must remain uncoated.
Define Cosmetic Zones
Separate customer-facing surfaces from hidden areas and define acceptable defects or comparison samples.
Allow for Buildup
Coating thickness can affect holes, threads, fits, edges, and overall dimensions; design and inspect accordingly.
Quality
Finish inspection and documentation
Depending on the specification, requirements may include visual inspection, coating thickness, color comparison, adhesion, corrosion tests, hardness, conductivity, certificates, or process records. Include requested documentation with the RFQ.
FAQ
Finishing questions
Can finishing be included with machining or fabrication?
Yes. Quoting the complete part helps coordinate allowance, masking, racking, cosmetic handling, inspection, and packaging.
How do I request a specific color?
Provide a recognized color standard or physical master, finish type, gloss target, texture, and acceptable variation.
Will a coating change dimensions?
Many finishes add or alter material at the surface. Critical fits, threads, bores, and masked zones should be defined on the drawing.
Specify the Complete Part