Surface Finishing
Surface finishing is the final step that defines how an aluminum part looks, feels, and performs. At CNCALPARTS, we machine aluminum only, so we prepare every component for anodizing, bead blasting, brushing, polishing, and protective coatings with the surface condition and dimensional control those processes demand.
Finishing at a Glance
- Anodizing in clear, black, color, and hard anodizing
- Mechanical finishes: as machined, bead blasting, brushing, polishing
- Coatings and treatments: powder coating, chemical film, chromate conversion
- Surface roughness controlled to Ra 0.8–3.2 μm
- Aluminum alloys only: 6061, 6063, 6082, 7075, 2024, 5052, 5083
Choosing the Right Aluminum Finish
The right finish depends on the application. Cosmetic enclosures and front panels usually call for bead blasting followed by anodizing or powder coating. Heat sinks and cooling plates often stay as machined or receive a chemical film. Parts exposed to wear benefit from hard anodizing, while optical and robotics components may need tight cosmetic control and precise surface roughness.
Because aluminum is our only material focus, we understand how cutting conditions, workholding, chip evacuation, and heat affect the surface that reaches the finishing stage. This helps avoid scratches, tool marks, burrs, and dimensional drift that can cause rework after anodizing or coating.
Browse the finishing categories below to see the specific processes CNCALPARTS offers for custom aluminum parts.
Typical Finishing Flow
- CNC machining and deburring
- Surface preparation and cleaning
- Mechanical finish or blasting
- Anodizing or coating
- Final inspection and reporting
Aluminum Only
We machine aluminum exclusively, so tooling, cutting parameters, and finishing preparation are tuned to one material family.
Cosmetic Control
Careful handling of cosmetic parts, consistent surface condition, and attention to dimensions before anodizing or coating.
Prototype to Production
From 1–10 piece prototypes to 500+ piece production runs, finishing stays repeatable and inspection stays consistent.
Surface Finishing Categories
Select a category to explore the aluminum finishing processes, specifications, and guidance that CNCALPARTS provides for custom parts.
Anodizing
CNCALPARTS machines aluminum only, so anodizing is part of our everyday production conversation, not an afterthought. From Type II decorative finishes to Type III hard anodizing, we
View details →Finishing Questions We Answer Before Production
We review drawings, tolerances, critical dimensions, and surface requirements before machining, so the finish you specify matches the function and appearance your part needs.
- Which alloy and temper suit the finish?
- Which surfaces are cosmetic and which are functional?
- How much material will anodizing or coating add or remove?
- What surface roughness and color consistency are required?
- What inspection report does the project need?
Common Finishing Specifications
| Specification | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Surface Roughness | Ra 0.8–3.2 μm |
| General Tolerance | ±0.05 mm |
| Precision Tolerance | Down to ±0.01 mm |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 0.5 mm |
| Inspection | CMM, micrometers, surface roughness tester |
Send Us Your Aluminum Part Drawing
Share your STEP or STP model and PDF drawing, and tell us the finish you need. CNCALPARTS will review tolerances, surface requirements, and production quantity, then recommend the right aluminum finishing process for your project.
We machine aluminum. Only aluminum.
Request a Quote
Tell us about your aluminum part, the finish you require, and your expected production quantity. Our team will respond with machining and finishing recommendations.