More than 60 options for surface finish are available for your choice
Rapid prototyping to manufacturing
What's Surface treatment
Surface treatment is a series of processes used to change the surface properties of materials. These properties may include appearance, surface roughness, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, hardness, lubricity or adhesion. The purpose of surface treatment is to improve the performance of the material, extend the service life, enhance safety or improve the appearance. Surface treatment is the final key step before the product is put into actual use.
Surface Finishing Services of Brightstar
At Brightstar, for the appearance and roughness or other performance requirements of the product, whether it is CNC machining, polyurethane casting, sheet metal, or 3D printing parts, we are committed to providing customers with excellent product surface treatment services.
With our rich internal technology and a wide range of solid high-quality surface treatment suppliers, we can finely process the product surface to ensure that the color, texture, gloss and surface finish of the parts meet the requirements and exceed your expectations.
Application of CNC machined parts
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Common surface finish processes
| Common Surface Treatment | Concepts | Applicable Technologies | Applicable Materials | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Anodizing |
Anodizing is the process of coating a metal surface with a layer of oxide using electricity and chemicals, often referring to the anodization of aluminum. Common oxidation treatments include chromic acid anodizing, sulfuric acid anodizing and hard anodizing. |
CNC & Sheet Metal | Metals (aluminum & titanium alloy, etc.) | |
 Black Oxide |
Black oxide, also known as bluing, is a surface treatment method that uses a chemical process to produce an oxide film on the surface of steel, preventing rust and optimizing appearance. |
CNC & Sheet Metal & Injection Molding | Steel | |
 Electroplating |
Electroplating uses the principle of electrolysis to coat a metal surface with a thin layer of metals or alloys to improve corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. A variety of plating techniques are available, including copper, nickel, chromium, zinc, silver, and gold plating. |
CNC & Sheet Metal | Metals (zinc & copper alloys, etc.) | |
 Electroless Plating |
Electroless plating, also known as autocatalytic plating, is a surface treatment process that deposits alloys on objects' surfaces using the autocatalysis concept. The most common type is electroless nickel plating. |
CNC & Injection Molding & 3D Printing | Metals (zinc & copper alloys, etc.) Plastics (ABS & PP, etc.) | |
 Passivation |
Passivation, also known as chromate treatment, is a pickling procedure. The goal is to create a passivation film on the metal's surface in order to improve its corrosion and oxidation resistance. |
CNC & Sheet Metal | Metals (stainless steel & other corrosion resistant alloys) | |
 Polishing |
Polishing is a processing method that uses abrasive particles or other polishing media and flexible polishing tools to remove fine scratches and flaws on the surface of the workpiece. |
CNC | Metals (copper, etc.) | |
 Sand Blasting |
Sand blasting impacts and frictions on the surface of the workpiece through high-speed jet to achieve cleaning, rust removal, beautification and improve the effect of coating adhesion. |
CNC & Sheet Metal | Metals (aluminum, etc.) Plastics (PMMA, etc.) Glass, Wood | |
 Powder Coating |
Powder spraying is a post-treatment method of spraying solid powder on the surface of an object. |
CNC & Sheet Metal & Injection Molding | Metals (stainless steel, etc.) Plastics (ABS, etc.) | |
 Painting |
Painting is the process of applying a smooth coating to an object's surface by spraying liquid paint on it. |
CNC & Sheet Metal & Injection Molding & 3D Printing | Metals (stainless steel, etc.) Plastics (nylon, etc.) Wood | |
 Silk-screen |
Silk-screen is a printing technique that uses a mesh-like screen to transfer ink to the surface of various materials. |
CNC & Sheet Metal & Injection Molding & 3D Printing | Metals (aluminum, etc.) Plastics (ABS, etc.) | |
 Laser Engraving |
Laser engraving uses laser beams to form text and patterns on products. |
CNC & Sheet Metal & Injection Molding & 3D Printing | Metals (aluminum, etc.) Plastics (ABS, etc.) | |
 Wire Drawing/Brushed |
Wire drawing creates lines on the workpiece's surface that reflect the grain of the metal and enhance its visual appeal through physical grinding. |
CNC & Sheet Metal | Metals (stainless steel, etc.) |
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Surface Roughness Levels
| GB | Rz | RMS | Ra | Surface shape features | Examples of processing methods | |
| N12 | 200 | 2000 | 50 | asperity | clear visible knife marks | rough turning, rough milling, rough planing, drilling |
| N11 | 100 | 1000 | 25 | visible knife marks | ||
| N10 | 50 | 500 | 12.5 | slight knife marks | ||
| N9 | 25 | 250 | 6.3 | semi-bright surface | visible machining marks | cold draw, fine turing, rough grinding, skiving |
| N8 | 12.5 | 125 | 3.2 | slight machining marks | ||
| N7 | 6.3 | 63 | 1.6 | invisible machining marks | ||
| N6 | 6.3 | 32 | 0.8 | bright surface | discernible direction of machining marks | fine turning of diamond turning tool, broaching, polishing |
| N5 | 3.2 | 16 | 0.4 | microidentification of the direction of machining marks | ||
| N4 | 1.6 | 8 | 0.2 | undiscernible direction of machining marks | ||
| N3 | 0.8 | 4 | 0.1 | brightest surface | dull luster | grinding, accurate grinding, supergrinding, mirror grinding, polishing |
| N2 | 0.4 | 2 | 0.05 | glossy finish | ||
| N1 | 0.2 | 1 | 0.025 | mirror-like gloss | ||
| 0.1 | fog type mirror-like gloss | |||||
| 0.05 | mirror surface | |||||
FAQs of surface finish
What is the impact of surface treatment on a product?
Surface finish is crucial in enhancing product durability and lifespan since it can lower friction, increase hardness, and improve corrosion resistance.
What is the future development trend of surface treatment technology?
It will progress toward greater efficiency, energy conservation, and environmental preservation. For instance, emerging technologies like high-energy plasma surface coating, plasma enhancement, and low-temperature chemical vapor deposition can be used to improve product performance and lifespan while lowering energy consumption and pollution rates.
What are the main functions of coatings in aerospace?
Coatings' main functions include thermal protection, anti-oxidation, anti-corrosion, radiation resistance, increased material durability, and enhanced stealth capabilities. These coatings can protect aircraft surfaces against severe temperatures, pressures, friction, and radiation, extending tthe service life and lowering accident risk.
What is the purpose of anodizing aluminum alloy?
Anodizing thickens the natural oxide layer on the surface of aluminum alloys, increasing corrosion and wear resistance while also giving a better surface for paint and primer adhesion. The process is often used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, and consumer goods industries.