Process | Applicable Materials | Key Characteristics / Appearance | Typical Compatibility |
As Machined | Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, Plastics | Ra 0.8–3.2 μm, retains machining marks | Can be followed by any finishing |
Polishing | Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Brass | Mirror or high-gloss finish, improves cleanliness | Often used alone or before plating |
Anodizing | Aluminum, Titanium | Increases hardness & corrosion resistance; common colors: clear, black, gray | Can follow blasting or tumbling |
Electrophoresis (E‑Coating) | Steel, Aluminum, Zinc Alloys | Uniform thin-layer coating, excellent corrosion resistance, typically black/gray | Usually applied as a standalone or primer |
Bead / Sand Blasting | Most metals | Uniform matte finish, removes tool marks | Compatible with most processes except plating/coating |
Black Oxide | Steel, Stainless Steel | Matte black corrosion‑resistant layer, maintains dimensions | Can be combined with passivation |
Passivation | Stainless Steel | Enhances corrosion resistance without visual change | Often used after machining or before other finishes |
Electroplating | Steel, Copper, Stainless Steel, etc. | Zinc, nickel, or chrome plating for corrosion protection or decoration | May follow polishing or blasting |
Powder Coating | Aluminum, Steel | Durable, wear‑resistant coating in various standard colors | Usually applied alone |
Tumbling / Vibratory Finishing | Metals, some plastics | Deburring, edge‑rounding, smooth matte surface | Compatible with most finishes except plating/coating |
Knurling | Metal cylindrical surfaces | Anti‑slip pattern (straight, diamond, or cross‑knurl) | Typically applied during machining |
Brushing | Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Brass | Directional satin finish, decorative and scratch‑resistant | Usually applied alone |
Heat Treatment | Steel, Aluminum Alloys | Improves mechanical properties (hardness, strength, toughness) | Applied before finishing processes |
Silk Screening / Pad Printing | Most material surfaces | Adds logos, text, scales, or symbols | Applied after surface preparation |
Laser Marking | Most materials | Permanent, high‑precision marking for labeling or tracing | Can be applied at almost any stage |