Common Types of Surface Treatment
Finish Type
Applicable Materials
Description
As machined
Metal
Roughness of approx. 3.2 μm (126 μin) removes burrs and sharp edges.
Electroplating
Metal
Deposits metal to improve corrosion resistance, hardness and appearance.
Anodizing
Metal
Forms an oxide film to improve corrosion resistance, hardness, abrasion resistance and aesthetics.
Powder Coating
Metal
Powder coated and cured to enhance corrosion resistance, impact resistance and aesthetics.
Painting
Metal, plastic, ceramic, composite materials
The spray gun evenly applies liquid paint for a smooth, shiny surface.
Brushing
Metal
Forms a continuous fine texture to improve appearance, slip resistance, and reduce light reflectionc
Sand Blasting
Metal, plastic, ceramic
Abrasives are sprayed onto surfaces to clean, polish or increase surface roughness.
Black Oxide
Metal
Produces a black or dark oxide film that increases corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance and oxidation resistance to enhance appearance.
Teflon Coating
Metal, plastic, ceramic
Forms a Teflon film for improved corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance and low friction performance.
Electrophoretic
Metal
Even deposition of paint, uniform coating and strong adhesion.
Passivation
Metal
Forms an oxidized protective film to improve corrosion resistance.
Alodine
Metal
Transparent protective coating for improved corrosion resistance and surface hardness.
Chromate
Metal
Formation of passivation film for enhanced corrosion and oxidation resistance
PVD
Metal, ceramic, plastic
The paint evaporates and condenses to form a thin film, improving abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
CVD
Metal, ceramic
The chemical reaction forms a thin film that improves abrasion resistance, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance.
Electroless Plating
Metal, plastic
Homogeneous deposition of metallic coatings to improve corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance and electrical conductivity.
Electropolishing
Metal
Electrolysis removes minor surface imperfections and enhances smoothness and brilliance.
Polishing
Metals, plastics, ceramics
Rubbing or grinding surfaces to enhance smoothness and brilliance.
Silk Screen
Metal, plastic
The ink is embossed through a screen to print patterns and text.
Laser Engraving
Metal, plastic
The laser beam heats, melts or evaporates to mark, engrave or pattern engraving.