Custom Surface Finishing Service
A part is only as good as its finish. Choose from 15+ surface finishing options to ensure your custom machined parts are high-performance, assembly-ready, and built to last.
Surface Finish Capabilities at XY-GLOBAL
We offer 15+ surface finishing options tailored for custom components. From initial production to final surface refinement—ensuring your parts meet the most stringent functional and aesthetic standards.
A. Mechanical Finishes
Physical treatments to refine surface texture, eliminate tool marks, and enhance tactile quality.
| Surface Finishes | Description | Compatible Materials | Service | Cosmetic Availability | Tolerances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bead Blasting | Propels glass or ceramic beads to create a uniform matte or satin finish; ideal for removing tool marks. | Metals, Plastics | CNC & Die Casting | On Request | Negligible impact |
| Brushing | Creates a distinct directional grain texture on the surface for a high-end, industrial metallic look. | Metals | CNC Machining | Always Cosmetic | No impact |
| Polishing (Mirror) | Mechanical buffing with fine abrasives to achieve a highly reflective, mirror-like aesthetic. | Metals | CNC & Die Casting | Always Cosmetic | Met after process |
| Tumbling | A vibratory or barrel process used to smooth, debur, and clean high-volume batches of parts. | Metals, Plastics | CNC & Die Casting | Semi-cosmetic | Minimal edge radiusing |
| Smooth Machining | Utilizing high-precision tool paths and feeds to achieve superior surface smoothness. | Metals, Plastics | CNC Machining | No (Functional) | No impact |
B. Chemical & Electrochemical Treatments
Surface chemistry modification for extreme corrosion resistance, hardness, and decorative coloring.
| Surface Finishes | Description | Compatible Materials | Service | Cosmetic Availability | Tolerances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anodizing (Type II) | An electrochemical oxide layer that provides decorative protection; available in various custom colors. | Aluminum, Titanium | CNC Machining | Excellent | Minor build-up (5-25μm) |
| Hard Anodizing (Type III) | Creates a thick, ceramic-like wear-resistant layer designed for high-friction industrial applications. | Aluminum | CNC Machining | Functional | Build-up (25-50μm) |
| Chromate Conversion | Also known as Alodine; provides a protective film while maintaining surface electrical conductivity. | Aluminum, Magnesium | CNC & Die Casting | No | No measurable impact |
| Passivation | A chemical treatment for stainless steel that removes surface contaminants to maximize rust resistance. | Stainless Steel | CNC Machining | No | No impact |
| Black Oxide | A chemical conversion that creates a sleek, matte black finish with excellent dimensional stability. | Steel, Copper | CNC Machining | Semi-Cosmetic | Zero build-up |
C. Coating & Painting
High-performance protective layers designed for environmental shielding or branding requirements.
| Surface Finishes | Description | Compatible Materials | Service | Cosmetic Availability | Tolerances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder Coating | A durable, heat-cured dry powder finish available in a massive range of colors and textures. | Metals | CNC & Die Casting | High (Decorative) | 50-100μm build-up |
| E-Coating | Electrically applied paint that ensures 100% coverage and rust protection for complex die-cast parts. | Metals | Die Casting | Functional/Cosmetic | 15-30μm build-up |
| Teflon (PTFE) | A specialized non-stick coating for parts requiring low friction, high lubrication, or heat resistance. | Metals | CNC Machining | Functional | Minimal build-up |
| PVD Coating | Vacuum deposition for ultra-hard, luxury metallic films in colors like Gold, Rose Gold, or Gunmetal. | Metals | CNC & Die Casting | Always Cosmetic | Ultra-thin (<5μm) |
D. Plating & Specialized Marks
Electro-deposited metal films and precision marking for branding and functional enhancement.
| Surface Finishes | Description | Compatible Materials | Service | Cosmetic Availability | Tolerances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electroplating | Zinc, Nickel, or Chrome plating via electrolysis for enhanced hardness and superior corrosion protection. | Metals | CNC & Die Casting | Yes (Shiny/Matte) | 5-15μm build-up |
| Laser Etching | High-precision laser marking for permanent logos, serial numbers, branding, or QR codes. | Metals, Plastics | CNC & Die Casting | Always Cosmetic | Zero impact |
Why Choose XY-GLOBAL for Surface Finishing?
XY-GLOBAL provides high-end surface finishing services with an uncompromising focus on quality and precision. We combine rigorous quality assurance with advanced engineering to deliver parts that perform as well as they look.
- Integrated Quality Control: We conduct rigorous adhesion tests, salt spray testing, and digital color analysis to ensure coating durability and aesthetic consistency.
- Precision Dimensional Accuracy: Our engineers account for coating build-up during the CNC programming phase, ensuring every part maintains perfect tolerances for seamless assembly.
- Advanced Inspection: We utilize precision thickness gauging to verify the integrity of every surface finish, ensuring optimal functional performance.
Ready to Perfect Your Custom Parts? Consult with our engineers to select the ideal surface finish for your project today!
Surface Finishing FAQs
How do I choose the right surface finish for my machined parts?
Choosing the ideal surface treatment depends on your part's environment. For indoor aesthetics, anodizing or bead blasting is often best. For harsh outdoor or industrial environments, we recommend hard anodizing (Type III), powder coating, or e-coating for superior corrosion resistance and durability.
Does surface finishing affect the final tolerances of my components?
Yes, some processes add thickness. Chemical conversion coatings (like black oxide) or passivation have near-zero impact on dimensions. However, powder coating can add 50–100μm, and hard anodizing adds significant thickness. At xy-global, our engineers factor these changes into the initial CNC machining stage to ensure perfect final fitment.
Which surface finishes are best for aluminum CNC parts?
Anodizingis the most popular choice for aluminum, providing excellent wear resistance and color options. Other great options for aluminum include bead blasting for a matte texture and chromate conversion for electrical conductivity and corrosion protection.
Can you match a specific brand color?
Absolutely. We offer powder coating, painting, and anodizing in a wide array of custom colors.
What is the difference between "cosmetic" and "functional" finishes?
A cosmetic finish (like mirror polishing or PVD coating) focuses on the visual appeal and surface texture of the part. A functional finish (like passivation or electroless nickel plating) is designed to improve mechanical properties such as hardness, lubricity, or chemical resistance, where the final appearance is secondary.
Which surface finishing processes have the shortest lead time for small-batch production?
For small-batch production, the fastest surface finishing processes are manual polishing/buffing, stainless steel passivation and manual spray painting—skip complex, long-curing processes like powder coating.