5-axis CNC milling drawing: Al 7075-T6 block with pockets, toolpath and dimensions

Surface Finishing

From functional to Class-A cosmetic.

Q: Which finish should I specify for aluminum?

For most aluminum: Type II anodize (decorative, 10–25 µm) in clear or color. For wear-resistant aluminum: Type III hardcoat anodize (25–50 µm). For brand-matched color: powder coating in RAL/Pantone. For Apple-tier cosmetic: bead blast + Type II color anodize. For outdoor service: powder coat or Type III anodize. Pick the one that matches functional + aesthetic needs.

Q: What colors are available for anodize?

Type II anodize accepts virtually any dye color: clear, black, silver, red, blue, gold, rose gold, space grey, green, purple, yellow, orange. Color matching to Pantone/RAL typically within acceptable delta-E for most applications. Type III hardcoat anodize naturally appears dark grey to black due to thicker oxide layer; limited color range.

Q: Can you powder coat stainless steel?

Yes, but uncommon. Stainless is usually bead blasted, passivated, or brushed rather than powder coated — the base metal doesn't need corrosion protection. Powder coating stainless is done mainly for color requirements. More typical finishes on SS: #4 brush, bead blast, electropolish, passivate per ASTM A967.

Q: What is the difference between bead blast and sand blast?

Bead blast uses small glass beads, produces a uniform matte finish with slight peening (work-hardening surface). Sand blast uses abrasive grit (aluminum oxide, silicon carbide), produces rougher texture and cuts the surface more aggressively — used for paint prep or removing heat scale. For cosmetic medical and consumer parts, specify bead blast.

Q: Can you match Pantone colors?

Yes, through powder coating, wet paint, and anodize dye. Delta-E < 2 typical for powder and wet paint; < 5 for anodize due to dye-metal interaction variability. Allow one extra iteration cycle for critical Pantone color approval on first production runs, especially for anodize. Metallic, pearlescent and specialty finishes available.

Q: Do you apply protective coatings for outdoor use?

Yes. For steel: zinc plate (thin, economical), hot-dip galvanize (heavy protection), powder coat over zinc (best). For aluminum: powder coat (best outdoor option), Type III anodize (structural), or wet paint with UV-stable topcoat. All our powder coatings are rated for 10+ year outdoor service.

Q: Can finishes be selectively masked?

Yes. Masking for selective anodizing, plating, or painting is standard — we mask threaded holes (to preserve thread fit), mating surfaces (for electrical conductivity or bonding), and areas of selective color. Masking adds 10–20% to finish cost depending on complexity.

Every finish managed in-house or through long-term vetted partners under our QA team. No supplier handoffs, no finger-pointing on reject batches. One PO from raw stock to finished part.

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Finishing & treatmentWuxi, ChinaMOQ 1 partDFM review included

Technical plate for From functional to Class-A cosmetic.

How we run it

Finishing services

One engineer owns the job from quote to dock: DFM review before cutting, inspection through the run, and an inspection report in the box.

3-7 daysTypical lead time

MOQ 1No minimum quantity

<4 hQuote response

ISO 9001Quality system

01 · Finish families

Every finish, categorized.

Aluminum finishes

The most common aluminum finishes for consumer, aerospace and industrial applications.

Steel & stainless finishes

Protective and cosmetic treatments for steel and stainless alloys.

Paint & cosmetic

Wet paint, silk screen, and marking options for cosmetic appearance and branding.

Anodize Type II

Decorative 10–25 µm oxide. Any color via dye. Default for consumer electronics, automotive, cosmetic brackets.

Anodize Type III

Hardcoat 25–50 µm. Wear-resistant, dark natural color. Aerospace, firearms, racing.

Chromate Conversion

MIL-DTL-5541 chem conversion. Electrical conductive, primer base. Thin (1–3 µm), yellow or clear.

Powder Coating

Electrostatic powder + IR cure. Unlimited color, durable, outdoor-rated. Texture options.

Bead Blasting

Uniform matte via glass bead media. Common pre-anodize prep for consumer parts.

Polishing

Diamond-cut chamfers, mirror polish to Ra 0.05 µm. Premium cosmetic finish.

PVD Coating

Rose gold, chrome, black chrome — thin, highly durable decorative coating.

Brushed

Satin unidirectional pattern. Architectural and automotive interior.

Zinc Plating

Thin electrochemical Zn layer. Economical steel corrosion protection. Blue, yellow, black chromate seal.

Hot-Dip Galvanize

Heavy Zn coating for outdoor steel. 50–100 µm thickness. 20+ year protection.

Nickel Plating

Electroless or electrolytic. Even, bright, corrosion resistant. Electrical and decorative.

Chrome Plating

Hard chrome for wear (industrial). Decorative bright chrome for consumer/automotive.

Passivation

ASTM A967 citric or nitric — removes free iron on stainless, enhances passive layer. Medical standard.

Electropolishing

Electrochemical polish on stainless. Mirror-smooth, reduces bacteria adhesion. Pharmaceutical.

Black Oxide

Chemical conversion producing black oxide layer on steel. Decorative, mild corrosion resistance.

Phosphate

Mn or Zn phosphate. Paint primer, mild corrosion, lubricant retention.

2K Polyurethane Paint

Automotive-grade 2-part PU. Outdoor-rated, Pantone-matched. Premium consumer products.

Silk Screen

Ink through mesh stencil. Logos, graphics, product markings. Single or multi-color.

Pad Printing

Silicone pad transfers ink from etched plate. Works on curved surfaces, complex shapes.

Laser Etching

Permanent micro-burn mark. Serial numbers, logos, anti-counterfeit. No paint to wear off.

UV-Cure Ink

Instant-cure ink for high-throughput printing. Common on consumer electronics bezels.

Hydrographics

Water-transfer printing for wood grain, carbon fiber, custom patterns on complex shapes.

FAQ