CNC Machining Surface Finishes

Electroplating/Plating: a process of using an electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a thin coherent metal coating on an electrode, to change the properties of the machining metal surface or build up thickness for undersized parts.

Powder coating/Powder coat: a functional and decorative finish, which is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder, employs electrostatically and then cured under heat, to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. The main applications include household appliances, aluminium extrusions, drum hardware, automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle parts.

Anodizing/Anodized: an electrolytic passivation process of forming a thin layer of aluminium oxide on the exterior of aluminium CNC machined parts to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer and protect the metal, as the layer has higher corrosion and abrasion resistance than aluminium.

Black oxide: also known as blackening, gun bluing or hot blackening, a chemical process of forming a black conversion coating on aluminium to improve corrosion resistance and minimize light reflection.

Bead blasting/Bead blast: the process of removing surface deposits by applying fine glass beads at high pressure without damaging the surface.

Abrasive blasting/sandblasting: the process or operation of propelling a stream of abrasive material composed of high-velocity sand-sizes particles against the metal surface under high pressure with blast equipment like air pressure system, to remove surface contaminants, clean metals or increase a texture, then change the smoothness or roughness of the surface.