Define surface zones
Identify visible faces, gasket seats, bearing fits, threads and electrical contact points. Mark which surfaces are coated, masked or left as machined.
CAPABILITIES / Surface finishing
Protect the exterior. Preserve the fit.
Surface preparation and finishing for custom aluminum components, with attention to visible surfaces, masking, coating buildup and functional interfaces.
Request a technical quotation ↗See the manufacturing steps ↓
PROCESS SELECTION
Where this route makes sense.
Choose the finish for the environment and assembly: appearance, corrosion exposure, electrical contact and dimensional fit can require different treatments on the same component.
FROM DRAWING TO FINISHED PART
The manufacturing sequence.
Prepare the substrate
Remove burrs, contamination and residues. Select cleaning and pretreatment for the substrate and coating system; cosmetic quality starts before the final coat.
Apply the selected finish
Specify the coating or treatment system, color/reference sample, texture and thickness where applicable. Review alloy suitability before selecting anodizing.
Inspect appearance & function
Compare defined cosmetic zones under agreed viewing conditions. Check thickness where specified and inspect masking boundaries and exposed interfaces.
Protect the finished part
Use separators and protective packaging appropriate to the finish. Prevent metal-to-metal rubbing at cosmetic faces and machined interfaces.
WHAT NEEDS CONTROL
Functional requirements and how to check them.
The drawing and order define the applicable controls; inspection methods are selected for the requirement rather than applied indiscriminately.
| Feature / risk | Production consideration | Verification method |
|---|---|---|
| Powder-coated exterior | Define color reference, gloss/texture, coverage and film thickness. | Visual comparison and coating-thickness checks at specified locations. |
| Anodized surface | Review alloy and casting condition; silicon-rich castings may show uneven color. | Approved appearance reference and specified treatment requirements. |
| Blasted or as-machined finish | Define texture and permitted tool marks; protect threads and close fits. | Visual reference and functional surface checks. |
| Masked mating surfaces | Define the exact boundary and allowable overspray or edge condition. | Visual inspection plus fit or dimensional check where affected. |
DETAILS THAT CHANGE THE QUOTATION
No universal salt-spray promise
Corrosion testing requires a specified coating system, method, duration and acceptance rule. A test duration is not a direct service-life prediction.
Coating thickness affects assembly
Clarify whether dimensional acceptance applies before or after coating. Thread and bearing-fit requirements may need masking.
Cosmetic samples
Use an approved physical reference when appearance is important. A screen color alone is an incomplete acceptance standard.
SAMPLE & PRODUCTION PACKAGE
Define the deliverable, not just the process.
Finish specification, masking drawing, cosmetic reference and order-specific coating inspection records.
Send with your RFQ
- Controlled 2D drawing and available 3D model.
- Alloy standard, grade and required condition.
- Sample quantity, production quantities and repeat demand.
- Critical features, finish and required inspection records.