Metal Surface Finishing Service Options

Do you know the surface finishing for these 2 parts?

The surface finishing services Modo Rapid provided is diverse. As a designer/engineer/product development manager, you may be more inclined to look for an expert consultant, not just a prototyping manufacturer. Modo Rapid is not a stereotypical team, we not only provide prototyping services, but also surface treatment suggestions, based on the function/ specific surface needs.

The right parts are black hard anodized, which was made by 5 axis CNC because its curved surface. It’s not very obvious, as its different angle of view.

Sand blasting

Sandblasting is a process of spraying very fine particles of an abrasive material at high speed toward a surface in order to clean it or etch it.

abrasive materials include sand, Steel grit, Walnut shells, Copper slag, Powdered abrasives, Coconut shell, garnet, or even high-pressure water.Sandblasting is a process of preparation, prior to painting. It can knock loose any paint, coating or debris, so we can wash the surface and clean with ease, get an extremely smooth surface.

Nickel electroplating

Just as its name implies, it is a process of electroplating a thin layer of nickel onto metal surface. What’s the function of it?

It will make metal corrosion resistant, wear resistant, or even build up worn or undersized parts for salvage. It tend to last a long time, even with consistent mechanical touch and other uses that might cause wear.

Anodizing

Anodizing is an electrochemical process in which it makes the metal decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant surface.

Aluminum is an ideal material that suitable for anodizing. Magnesium, titanium, and other nonferrous metals also can be anodized. Anodizing can not only enhance the properties and appearance of a part, but also enables better adhesion for paint primers and glues.

Polishing

Polishing is the wet process of creating a smooth or shiny surface by rubbing /applying a chemical treatment by using a fine-micron or sub-micron abrasive particle in combination with a liquid, leaving a clean surface with a significant specular reflection. During the polishing process, just little material is removed. It’s normally measured in microns.

Mechanical polishing can achieve extremely high-resolution surface finishes, it is labor-intensive and requires highly skilled operators. Therefore, it’s expensive.

Painting

Painting is suitable for metal and plastic, by which liquid paint is applied to the surface of a workpiece or product. We usually use heat and pressure is to help the paint set. So that we are able to create a strong and long-lasting shell that’s able to withstand the hands of time.

Full glossy, semi-glossy, matte to dull are common printing process we often do.

Black oxide

Black oxide, also known as boiling black or bluing, is a method of surface treatment for steel. The coating film is formed by reaction between the liquid medicine and the material of the workpiece itself. The thickness of the film after oxidation treatment is 0.5-1.5 micron, which has no significant effect on the size and accuracy of the parts.

Oxidation treatment of iron and steel parts is widely used in the general protection and decoration of machinery parts, precision instruments, cylinders, springs, weapons and daily necessities. Its film wear resistance is good, dark shiny, extremely beautiful.

Powder Coating

Powder coating is a process in which we apply colored particulate matter to the surface of a workpiece. The particulate matter, we often call it as powder, is sprayed on the products, so that forming a protective outer layer in the same color and material as the powder. Thermoplastics and thermosets are two primary types of powder we usually use. The thermoplastics powder is mixed with a proprietary blend of chemicals during application.

Passivation

Passivation is a process in which we make the metal surface change into a state that is not easy to be oxidized and delays the corrosion rate of the metal.

Passivation is a post-fabrication process in which it is performed after cutting, grinding, welding, and other machining operations that manipulate metal surface.