HomeMetal Finishing

Metal Finishing

Finishing machines treat the surface of your custom part. Finishing can be used for protection, decoration, and other uses. For example you may want to nickel plate a part to protect it from oxidizing or mechanically brush the surface of the part to create a textured look.

Plating	Electroplate metal finishing is used to finish your part surface by submersing the part in a tank of chemicals and, in some cases applying an electric current. Such processes coat or alter the part surface with a thin layer. Plating can be used to prevent corrosion, increase mechanical durability, alter surface friction, improve appearance, etc. Plating can be done for parts made by all fabrication machines and is generally used when your part is made of a metal. Plating does not hide or smooth surface imperfections. For example if you mill a part with 63 surface finish and then silver plate, it will not look like jewelry. Larger parts are usually plated on Racks. Barrel plating is used for a larger quantity of small parts.
Brush	Brushed metal finishing creates a surface texture that removes and hides surface defects. This finish has a parallel grain resulting from an abrasive belt or wire brush moving against the work piece in one direction. Brushing slightly rounds the edges perpendicular to the grain.
Grinding Flat Surface	Creates an accurate flat surface for machine tools, reference surfaces, jig plates, etc.
Buff polish	Buff polish metal finishing creates a smooth near-mirror uniform surface for decorative parts. Polishing is done on the edge of a cloth wheel approx 6" diameter and hence the process can only reach certain surfaces. Edges will likely become slightly rounded. This finish may not be effective on parts with sharp, intricate, recessed or fragile features.
Sand blast	Sand blasting metal finishing creates a uniform matte texture.
Vibratory	Vibratory metal finishing produces a uniform random texture and slightly rounded edges.
Powder coating	Powder coat metal finishing results in an appearance like paint but is more durable. A dry plastic powder is melted onto the metal surface. Powder coating is relatively hard and abrasion resistant. Powder coating adds typically 0.0025" to 0.005" to each coated side and edge. Textured powder coating is less susceptible to imperfections than Matte or Glossy - consider using it for Decorative jobs. Colors are listed here.
Anodizing	Protects aluminum surface, improves durability, allows for various colors.
Black Oxide	Black oxide metal finishing produces a matte black finish at low cost. Abrasion resistant and minimal surface change.

eMachineShop's intelligent software will also guide you to make sure the finish you specify is compatible with your material.

More information is available in the program help screens included with the free software download.

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