BUYER RESOURCE · SURFACE FINISH
Define function, appearance, masking, final dimensions and inspection before anodizing, passivation, plating or other finishing is added to a custom part.
QUICK ANSWER
A useful finish callout states the base material, process or standard, functional purpose, required thickness or class, color and texture, masked areas, final critical dimensions and acceptance method. Review these items with geometry and tolerance before machining begins.
Separate corrosion protection, wear resistance, electrical behavior, cleanability and appearance. The same general finish name can lead to different process choices when the service condition changes.
Tell the supplier whether the part is used indoors or outdoors, exposed to moisture or chemicals, assembled by thread or press fit, electrically grounded, visible to the customer or handled repeatedly.
Alloy and temper influence anodized appearance and performance. The Aluminum Anodizers Council also notes that anodizing changes dimensions and that bores or threads may need masking. Define the anodic requirement, thickness or class, color, gloss, texture and cosmetic surfaces.
Where appearance matters, use a physical sample or controlled color range instead of relying only on words such as black, clear or matte. AAC anodizing guidance ↗
Passivation is not a decorative coating. ASTM A967/A967M covers several chemical passivation treatments and alternative tests for confirming treatment effectiveness. If the standard applies, state the required revision, treatment or acceptance route rather than writing only “passivate.”
Surface cleaning, prior processing and verification requirements should be reviewed with the stainless grade and application. ASTM A967/A967M scope ↗
Zinc, nickel, tin and other deposited or conversion finishes serve different functions. The correct choice depends on the base metal, corrosion exposure, electrical needs, appearance and applicable customer or industry specification.
Mark threads, bores, sealing faces, press fits, electrical contacts and grounding locations. State whether dimensions apply before or after treatment, and define masking or plugging where coating is not permitted.
Color alone does not define corrosion performance, hardness or wear behavior. If a steel part needs black oxide, heat treatment, case hardening or another treatment, control each requirement separately and identify hardness, case depth, post-treatment protection or test requirements where applicable.
The sequence can affect distortion and final size. Critical fits should be assessed in the finished condition rather than assumed from the machined condition.
Mark cosmetic zones on the drawing and distinguish them from hidden or functional zones. Define the viewing distance and lighting if necessary, plus acceptable handling marks, color variation, rack marks, contact points, grain direction and gloss.
A signed sample, approved photograph with controlled conditions or buyer standard can make appearance decisions clearer. Packaging should prevent finished surfaces from rubbing during shipment.
Choose checks that match the requirement: final dimensions, visual comparison, coating thickness, adhesion, corrosion test, hardness or project-specific documentation. Do not request a test without defining its method and acceptance criteria.
Confirm whether reports are needed before quotation. See the quality-control guide for drawing revision, first article and final inspection planning.
Geometry, material, deburring, surface preparation, treatment, inspection and packaging interact. A complete RFQ lets the machining allowance, protected areas, finished dimensions and external processing route be evaluated together.
CKJM reviews project-specific finishing requirements with the drawing. No finish, standard, result or document is implied until it is confirmed in the quotation and approved specification.
FINISH RFQ
Include every item that controls function, appearance or final acceptance.
RELATED BUYER RESOURCES
OVERSEAS BUYER FAQ
State the required final condition clearly. If a dimension, thread, bore or mating surface is critical after coating, mark it as a finished-part requirement and identify any masking or allowance needed.
A color name alone can be interpreted differently. Identify the alloy and temper, anodizing requirement, target color, gloss or texture, cosmetic surfaces, permitted variation and an approved sample or color reference when appearance is important.
Yes. Anodizing converts aluminum at the surface and creates an oxide layer, so critical diameters, bores and threads may change. The expected build and any masking should be reviewed with the finishing source before production.
No. Passivation is a chemical treatment used on a clean stainless-steel surface; electroplating deposits another metal. The applicable process, standard and verification method should be stated rather than using the general word finish.
Mark the visible faces and viewing condition, then define color, gloss, texture, acceptable marks, rack or contact locations and any approved reference sample. Separate functional acceptance from cosmetic acceptance.
Machining, secondary operations and project-specific finishing can be reviewed as one manufacturing route. The exact treatment, standard, supplier route, documents and acceptance criteria must be confirmed during quotation.
REVIEW THE FINISHED PART
Mark critical dimensions, cosmetic faces and masked areas, then contact Zoe for project review.