PROCESS COMPATIBILITY

Choose the substrate and finish as one specification.

A finish can change dimensions, conductivity, corrosion behavior, friction and appearance. Review it before machining begins.

01Function

Corrosion, wear, insulation, conductivity or appearance?

02Thickness

Which dimensions and threads are critical after finishing?

03Preparation

As machined, blasted, brushed, ground or polished?

04Acceptance

Color range, gloss, texture and sample standard?

MATERIAL × FINISH

Practical compatibility matrix.

“Compatible” does not mean every grade, hardness or geometry is equally suitable. Confirm the full specification at quote stage.

Material family	Common finish routes	What to control
Aluminum	Anodize, hard anodize, chem film, bead blast, powder coat	Define alloy, temper, color range, masking and post-finish dimensions.
Stainless steel	Passivation, electropolish, bead blast, brush, polish	Do not use passivation as a substitute for cleaning or scale removal.
Carbon & alloy steel	Black oxide, zinc/nickel plate, phosphate, powder coat	Protect every exposed area; hydrogen-embrittlement controls may apply to hardened parts.
Tool steel	Black oxide, nitride, PVD, polish, precision grind	Coating temperature and post-hardening dimensions require review.
Titanium	Passivation, anodize, bead blast, polish	Color anodizing is thin and appearance varies with surface preparation.
Brass & copper	Polish, nickel/tin/silver plate, clear coat	Oxidation and finger marks change appearance without protection.
Nickel alloys	Passivation, electropolish, bead blast, specialist coating	Confirm the exact alloy and service temperature with the finisher.
Engineering plastics	Polish, texture, paint, dye, laser mark, bonding treatment	Compatibility is polymer- and solvent-specific; test cosmetic and bonded parts.

DRAWING NOTE