Online custom surface finishing services, for startups & enterprises.
40+ finishing options for all our manufacturing services.
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"I am very happy with how the pieces came out, the fit and finish is excellent, and you got them to me on time. I can not thank you and your staff enough for a super easy time and very professional service. I will recommend you to everyone I know."
Our surface finishing capabilities
Our surface finishing service perfectly complements our manufacturing services by giving your parts the perfect surface qualities. Whether it’s bead blasting, sanding, polishing, anodizing, or screen printing, we can provide high precision surface finishing for any part regardless of the size or quantity.
Marking & engraving
Digital printing
Mechanical finishing
- Standard - 125uin / 3.2um Ra
- Smooth Machining - 63uin / 1.6um Ra
- Fine Machining - 32uin / 0.8um Ra
Powder coating
Anodizing
Plating & coating
Chemical treatments
Injection molding finishing
What is surface finish?
Surface finishing is a critical step in parts manufacturing, directly impacting product performance, durability, and aesthetics. It involves processes such as polishing, sanding, blasting, and dimpling, which refine the surface properties of a part. The quality of the surface finish affects how a part functions, its lifespan, and its visual appeal.
A well-executed surface finish can improve functionality by enhancing cleaning ease, reducing wear and tear, and providing corrosion resistance. For example, a smooth finish makes parts easier to clean, while a properly finished surface can extend the part’s durability by preventing rust and wear. These functional benefits are crucial not only for final products but also for prototypes, where surface finish testing can provide valuable insights into a part's performance, such as reduced friction or improved corrosion resistance.
Beyond function, surface finishing plays a key role in a product's appearance. A polished or carefully textured finish can significantly enhance visual appeal, which is especially important in industries like automotive and aerospace, where aesthetics influence customer satisfaction.
Additionally, surface finishing can impact the sustainability of a product. Eco-friendly finishes can help reduce a product’s carbon footprint, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers, particularly in industries like electronics and consumer goods.
Factors that impact surface finish
Applying a surface finish to a part can yield excellent results, but not all surface finishes are equal. The quality of a surface finish depends on a multitude of factors that can either hinder or help the process. Understanding these factors is essential in the manufacturing process to ensure that the final result meets the required standards.
One of the most important factors that impacts surface finish is accessibility. It is crucial that all surfaces are easily reachable by the surface finish process; otherwise, hidden surfaces may struggle to achieve the desired finish. For instance, bead blasting a part with a small cutout can be challenging, as the blasting media may not reach the interior of the cutout effectively. Similarly, thin lines and crevices can also pose difficulties, as the surface finish process may not be able to penetrate these areas uniformly.
The cleanliness and age of the part also play a key role in determining the quality of the surface finish. For example, metal parts that require powder coating need to be clean and pickled as soon as they are produced. If rust forms on the metal surface, it can be challenging to apply the powder coating without prior processing. In such cases, the surface finish may not be uniform, leading to a lower-quality finish.
Material choice is another critical factor that affects the surface finish of a part. Different materials have unique properties that can influence the quality of the surface finish. For example, metals such as stainless steel and titanium tend to produce a smoother surface finish compared to plastics and composites when machined. This is because metals have a more uniform crystal structure, which allows for a more even surface finish. In contrast, plastics and composites have a more irregular crystal structure, leading to a rougher surface finish (however, plastic parts made using injection molding processes can be extremely glossy and smooth).
In addition to material choice, the surface finish process itself also plays a vital role in determining the quality of the finish. Different surface finish processes, such as polishing and grinding, can produce varying results depending on the type of process used. For instance, polishing can produce a highly reflective surface finish, while grinding can yield a surface finish with a more matte appearance. The choice of surface finish process depends on the specific requirements of the part, as well as the desired finish.
Surface finish symbols
The surface finish symbol, which resembles a square root symbol, is a unique notation that conveys essential information about the surface finish requirements. The symbol's appearance can vary depending on the inclusion of additional shapes and markings, each of which conveys specific information about the manufacturing process. For instance, the presence of certain shapes may indicate that a machined surface is required, while others may signify that material should be left in the originally manufactured state. The numbers accompanying the symbol provide further detail, specifying the desired level of roughness for the surface finish.
Surface finishes in machining are also influenced by the tool's orientation and direction, which significantly affect the final texture of the part. The tooling path—whether horizontal, circular, or cross-shaped—can impact how material is removed, with consistent direction leading to a smoother finish and changes in direction potentially causing unwanted marks or roughness. ISO standard lettering, such as "C" for concentric or "X" for crossed, provides a clear and standardized way for engineers to specify the required tooling orientation and direction alongside the surface finish symbol.
Key takeaways
Surface finishes are crucial for enhancing the performance, durability, and appearance of parts, whether for prototyping or mass production. The choice of finish depends on the material and manufacturing process, such as polishing for metals, sanding for wood, and vapor smoothing for 3D printed plastic. A well-executed finish ensures proper compatibility with subsequent processes like painting or coating.
Factors such as part shape and manufacturing method influence the required finish; for instance, a roughly cast part will need different treatment compared to a smoothly machined one. Applying surface finishes promptly after manufacturing is essential to avoid contamination and maintain part quality, ensuring the desired outcomes and integrity in final applications.
Why choose Ponoko?
Ponoko is renowned for its quality and reliability, with a proven track record of producing precision parts for over 2 million customers, maintaining a 99.7% quality rate. Our decades of experience ensure high standards and consistent results across both prototypes and large-scale production runs.
With expert engineers and advanced manufacturing techniques, we offer services such as laser cutting, metal bending, and surface finishes to meet all project needs. Ponoko also offers a 365-day guarantee, demonstrating our commitment to customer satisfaction and the lasting quality of our parts.
CNC machining is also a vital process in the production of molds used in plastic injection molding. These molds are typically made from metal, and the high degree of precision and accuracy required in molds necessitates the use of CNC machining techniques. CNC machining in mold production also enables the creation of molds with complex shapes and designs.
Finally, CNC machining is highly beneficial in rapid prototyping. Parts that need to be produced using mass production methods can first be tested with a CNC machine to ensure that they meet the required standards. The use of CNC machining in prototyping allows for the creation of parts with high precision and accuracy, which is crucial for testing the functionality and performance of the part. The ability to quickly produce prototypes also enables design iterations to be made rapidly, which is essential for bringing products to market swiftly.
Want something else? Check out our other services!
In addition to surface finishing, we offer a range of manufacturing solutions to meet your project’s unique needs. Each technology offers distinct advantages based on factors like material type, precision, complexity, and budget. Let us help you find the right solution for your next project.
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