Surface Finishing and Treatment Services
From corrosion-resistant anodizing to mirror polishing, we deliver controlled finishes that improve appearance, wear resistance, and part performance.
Drag the slider to compare surface textures
Enhance Durability, Appearance & Performance
Surface finishing transforms raw machined parts into refined components ready for demanding applications. The right finish protects against corrosion, improves wear resistance, enhances aesthetics, and help maintains proper functionality in specific environments.
Nelotiv finishing specialists evaluate each part's requirements to recommend optimal treatments. Whether you need a decorative mirror finish for consumer products or a hard chrome coating for industrial tooling, we deliver consistent results that meet your specifications.
Surface Finishing Options
Choose from over 20 professional finishes to meet your specific requirements
As-Machined
IncludedStandard finish directly from computer-controlled machining with visible tool marks. Suitable for prototypes and functional parts where appearance is not critical.
Polishing
PopularExcellent for aesthetic parts, medical devices, and applications requiring smooth surfaces. Mechanical smoothing creates glossy to mirror finish.
Bead Blasting
Low CostGlass bead impact creates uniform matte texture. Removes tool marks and delivers consistent industrial appearance across surfaces.
Anodizing Type II/III
PopularElectrochemical oxide layer on aluminum delivers corrosion resistance and color options. Type III hard coat for wear applications.
Powder Coating
PopularElectrostatic powder application cured under heat. Durable, uniform coating with well-suited weather and corrosion resistance.
Chrome Plating
PremiumElectroplated chromium delivers exceptional hardness and mirror appearance. Available in decorative or hard chrome for industrial applications.
Zinc Plating
Cost-EffectiveElectroplated zinc on steel delivers sacrificial corrosion protection. Available in clear, yellow, or black passivate finishes.
Passivation
Medical GradeEssential for medical and food-grade applications. Chemical treatment for stainless steel removes free iron and enhances natural corrosion resistance.
Electroless Nickel
PremiumAuto-catalytic nickel-phosphorus deposit delivers uniform thickness on demanding part geometries with well-suited hardness and corrosion resistance.
Material Compatibility Matrix
Interactive guide to help you select the right finish for your material
| Finish Type |
Aluminum Alloys
|
Carbon and Alloy Steel
|
Stainless
|
Brass/Cu
|
Plastic
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| As-Machined | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Polishing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bead Blasting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Anodizing | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Powder Coating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zinc Plating | — | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Chrome Plating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Passivation | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
| Electroless Nickel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
Choose the Right Finish for Your Application
Select finishes based on your primary requirements
Corrosion Protection
For harsh environments and outdoor applications, choose finishes that deliver well-suited corrosion resistance:
- Anodizing (Aluminum)
- Zinc Plating (Steel)
- Powder Coating
- Electroless Nickel
Wear Resistance
Designed for parts subject to friction, abrasion, or mechanical stress:
- Hard Chrome (65-70 HRC)
- Anodizing Type III
- Electroless Nickel
- Polishing (smooth surface)
Aesthetic Appeal
Designed for visible consumer products and decorative applications:
- Mirror Polishing
- Anodizing (15+ colors)
- Powder Coating (unlimited colors)
- Chrome Plating
Uniform Matte Finish
Designed for industrial aesthetics and consistent surface texture:
- Bead Blasting
- Bead Blast + Anodize
- Matte Powder Coat
Cost-Effective
Designed for prototypes and budget-conscious projects:
- As-Machined (included)
- Bead Blasting
- Zinc Plating
- Passivation
Precision Surface
Designed for optical surfaces, sealing interfaces, and high-precision components:
- Mirror Polishing (Ra ≤ 0.1 μm)
- Electroless Nickel (uniform)
- Lapping & Honing
How Surface Finishing Works
Streamlined workflow from design to finished parts
Upload Design
Submit your CAD files with specified finish requirements and stock material details.
Engineering Review
Nelotiv engineers analyze your parts and recommend optimal finish combinations.
Precision Finishing
Parts undergo finishing process with strict quality control at every stage.
QC & Delivery
Surface verified against specifications, packaged, and shipped to your door.
Common Questions
Surface finish refers to the texture, smoothness, and overall quality of a part's surface after manufacturing. It significantly affects the part's performance, wear resistance, corrosion protection, and suitability for specific environments. Proper surface treatment can extend part life, improve functionality, and enhance appearance for consumer-facing applications.
For aluminum parts, anodizing (Type II or III) delivers well-suited corrosion resistance. For steel components, zinc plating or powder coating combines good protection. Stainless steel parts benefit from passivation, which enhances their natural corrosion resistance. Electroless nickel plating works across most metals with uniform coverage and exceptional corrosion protection.
Most finishes add 2-5 business days to the standard production time. Simple processes like bead blasting or passivation typically add 1-2 days. More complex treatments such as electroless nickel plating or hard chrome may require 4-6 days. We support expedited options for urgent projects when needed.
Yes, combining multiple finishes is common practice. Popular combinations include bead blasting followed by anodizing for a uniform matte color finish, polishing followed by chrome plating for decorative mirror finishes, or machining followed by passivation for medical-grade stainless steel parts. Contact our team to discuss your specific requirements.
Ra 3.2 μm (as-machined) is suitable for prototypes and functional parts. Ra 0.8-1.6 μm works well for general consumer products. Medical devices typically require Ra 0.4 μm or better. For optical surfaces, sealing interfaces, or high-precision measurement parts, Ra 0.1 μm mirror finish is recommended.
Ready to Transform Your Parts?
Upload your CAD files and specify your finish requirements. Nelotiv engineers will recommend the optimal solution for your application.