Anodizing protects metal by increasing the thickness of its surface oxide layer.

Anodizing is often used to color parts, improve durability and enhance corrosion resistance. It also provides better adhesion of lubricants to raw metal and reduces galling of threaded components.

Plating is a process where a conductive surface is covered with a thin layer of metal. It

is commonly used to prevent corrosion, increase durability, alter surface friction, and improve appearance.

Abrasive blasting is a finishing process where a media is propelled at a high

velocity against a part’s surface to smooth or roughen it, or to remove contaminants, often in preparationfor painting or another finishing process.

Polishing is one finishing loose abrasive process, used to generate surfaces with very

high tolerances in geometry, surface integrity, and roughness characteristics, either through physical rubbing of the part or by chemical interference.

Brushing is used to deburr and remove surface defects from metal parts. Although

suitable for a handful of metals, brushing is most commonly applied to aluminum.

Powder coating forms a durable, wear resistant and corrosion resistant layer

on the surface of parts. Powder coating can be used to apply colors to parts and is compatible with any metal.

Painting is commonly specified by engineers to enhance a part’s appearance and

corrosion resistance. In addition, painting can have a protective effect on parts. For example, surface painting is an effective method to protect metal from oxidation and corrosion.

Surface grinding is a process that creates a precise, smooth flat-surface by

moving a workpiece back and forth under an abrasive grinding wheel. They are commonly used when making machine tools, reference surfaces, jig plates, and optical platforms.

Laser marking is a low-cost method of adding text, logos, and graphics to parts.

Similarto engraving, but using a CO2 or fiber laser.