Surface texture. Visual character. Each material differs.
Different materials yield different appearance after machining. Aluminum uniform silver, brass golden, stainless gray, plastics white/colored. Plan finish per material aesthetics.
Material finish and appearance
Anodized aluminum for premium look. Mirror-polished stainless for industrial premium. Brushed brass for traditional aesthetic. Material choice affects entire aesthetic.
Key principles.
Silver-gray
Machined aluminum: even silver-gray surface. Good for anodize. Cosmetic Ra 0.4 µm achievable.
Golden yellow
Machined brass: golden yellow. Polish to mirror, or natural oxidize for darker.
Gray, slightly blue
Machined stainless: gray with blue tint. Mirror polish reveals true tone.
Material-dependent
Plastics show natural color. Acetal black/white, PEEK tan, polycarbonate clear, nylon ivory.
Gray-silver
Machined carbon steel: gray-silver. Quickly oxidizes — needs immediate finishing.
Salmon to red
Machined copper: bright salmon-red. Oxidizes to brown then green over time.
Silver-gray
Machined titanium: similar to stainless. Anodize for color (no dye).
Light gray
Machined magnesium: light gray. Reactive — careful chip handling.
Bronze-gold
Machined bronze: bronze-gold tone. Often left natural for aesthetic.
FAQ
Anodized aluminum for premium look. Mirror-polished stainless for industrial premium. Brushed brass for traditional aesthetic. Material choice affects entire aesthetic.
Aluminum: black, red, blue, gold, green, custom dyes. Titanium: blue, purple, gold via interference colors. No anodize for stainless or steel.
Mirror polish Ra 0.05-0.1 µm. Standard polish Ra 0.4 µm. Brushed Ra 0.8-1.6 µm. Bead blast Ra 1.6-3.2 µm.
Brass develops patina (golden to dark). Copper greens (verdigris). Stainless stays stable. Aluminum oxidizes minimally if anodized.
Standardize via post-process — paint or powder coat all parts same color. Or anodize aluminum + paint other materials.
Cosmetic typically Ra ≤ 0.4 µm. Functional Ra 1.6-3.2 µm typical. Tighten only when needed — Ra below 0.4 multiplies cost.
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