| Process |
Typical Applications |
Key Technical Points |
| Anodizing |
Aluminum CNC and sheet metal parts |
Type II decorative and Type III hard anodizing; coating buildup should be considered on bores, threads, and mating surfaces. |
| Passivation |
304 / 316 stainless steel parts |
Improves corrosion resistance without adding a conventional coating layer; suitable for precision surfaces. |
| Electroplating |
Steel, copper, and selected plastic parts |
Zinc, nickel, and chrome options for corrosion protection, conductivity, wear, or appearance. |
| PVD Coating |
Metal cosmetic and wear surfaces |
Thin, hard coating with good wear resistance and decorative options such as gunmetal or champagne tones. |
| Sandblasting |
CNC, cast, and sheet metal parts |
Creates a uniform matte finish and prepares surfaces for anodizing, painting, or coating. |
| Polishing |
Metal and plastic cosmetic parts |
Satin, high-gloss, or mirror-like finishes; material removal must be controlled on edges and precision features. |
| Painting / Powder Coating |
Plastic and metal parts |
Gloss, matte, metallic, and custom-color painting; powder coating for suitable metal parts. Surface preparation affects adhesion and appearance. |
| Soft-Touch Coating |
Handheld plastic parts |
Creates a soft, low-slip tactile surface. Better for feel and handling than high-wear surfaces where harder coatings may be more suitable. |
| UV Coating |
Plastic housings and panels |
Provides a hard, wear-resistant cosmetic surface. Deep cavities and shadowed areas can be more difficult to cure uniformly. |
| Screen Printing |
Flat or slightly curved parts |
Best for larger logos, graphics, and functional markings. |
| Pad Printing |
Small or irregular surfaces |
Suitable for curved, recessed, or complex surfaces with smaller print areas. |
| Laser Marking |
Metal and selected plastic parts |
Permanent text, serial numbers, and QR codes; reference line width down to about 0.05 mm. |
| Hydro Dipping |
Complex 3D cosmetic surfaces |
Applies carbon-fiber, wood-grain, and other decorative patterns; usually requires a protective topcoat. |
| Deburring & Edge Finishing |
CNC, sheet metal, and cast parts |
Removes burrs and sharp edges without altering sealing, locating, or mating features. |
| Weld Grinding |
Sheet metal assemblies |
Blends welds and prepares surfaces for coating; excessive grinding can affect wall thickness and flatness. |
| Secondary CNC Machining |
Cast and near-net-shape parts |
Adds precision holes, threads, datums, and sealing surfaces after primary forming. |