Surface Finishes for CNC Machining
Finishes and Coatings for CNC Machined Parts
Evaluate standard surface finishes for CNC machined parts as well as advanced capabilities to improve durability, surface finish, and add color.
Certifications ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | ITAR
Standard Finishes
Choose from three standard surface finish options for CNC machined parts.
Edges broken (tool marks visible)
Edges deburred with visible toolmarks.
Materials: Plastic, Metals
Cost: $
Edges broken and light bead blast
Edges deburred with light bead blast.
Materials: Metals
Cost: $$
Leave sharp (tool marks visible)
Edges left sharp (tool marks visible) should be handled with care.
Materials: Metals
Cost: $
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Coating and Plating Options
Choose from a variety of coating and plating options for CNC machined parts.
Anodizing Type II
Anodize Type II Black
Anodize Type II Blue
Anodize Type II Clear
Anodize Type II Gold
Anodize Type II Red
Anodizing Type III
Anodize Type III Black
Anodize Type III Blue
Anodize Type III Clear
Anodize Type III Gold
Anodize Type III Red
Powder Coating
Black Flat Smooth (Raven Black)
Safety Orange
Black Flat Fine Textured (Black Grey RAL 7021)
Black Flat Smooth
White Gloss Smooth (Signal White RAL 9003)
White Gloss Smooth (Sky White)
Tan Flat Smooth (Desert Tan)
Chromate Plating
Type I Class 1A Clear Chromate Plating
Type I Class 3 Clear Chromate Plating
Electroless Nickel Plating
Clear Electroless Nickel Plating
Zinc Coating
Yellow Zinc Plating Type II
Advanced Post-Processing Options for CNC Machining Parts
Through both the Factory and Protolabs Network, you can access a broad range of post-processing capabilities to meet your part’s specifications.
| Description | Materials | [Factory](/content/ecom/get-a-quote/ "Get A Quote"/index.html) | Network | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bead Blasting | Light bead blast to provide uniform finish and light texture | Metals | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anodizing | Type I, II, and III finishes are available to improve part durability and add color | Aluminum Titanium |
✔ | ✔ |
| Chromate Coating | Improve corrosion resistance, add electrical connectivity, and the ability to better paint parts | Metals | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electroless Nickel Plating | A wear-, abrasion-, and corrosion resistant finish that is compatible with aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel | Aluminum Steel |
✔ | ✔ |
| Part Marking | Laser engraving or pad printing to add labeling and other text to parts | Metals Plastics |
✔ | ✔ |
| Passivation | Enhance durability and corrosion resistance of metal parts | Metals | ✔ | ✔ |
| Powder Coating | Add custom color to parts while improving durability | Metals | ✔ | ✔ |
| Inserts | Incorporate off-the-shelf hardware components to facility assembly | Metals | ✔ | ✔ |
| Silk Screening | Add design elements or labels to parts | Metals | ✔ | |
| Brushing | Achieve uniform, satin-like surface finish | Stainless Steel | ✔ | |
| Polishing | Create mirror-like finishes on metal parts | Metals | ✔ | |
| Black Oxide | Improve corrosion resistance | Metals | ✔ | |
| Brushed + Electropolishing | This combination of processing results in easy-to-clean parts that are corrosion resistant | Metals | ✔ | |
| Micro-finishing | Micro-finishing achieves Ra 0.4 μm surface roughness for reduced friction, improved sealing, and a high-quality finish. | Metals | ✔ | |
| SurTec 650 | SurTec 650 is a chromium-free aluminum coating that improves corrosion resistance while maintaining dimensional accuracy in demanding conditions. | Aluminum | ✔ |
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