Our Finishing Services

Why Choose Custom Surface Finishing Services from IDEAL?

• Economical Price

  Our well-established supply chain and skilled surface treatment team enable us to match any client's budget or cost-effective solution.

• Perfect Supply Chain

  IDEAL has excellent suppliers who can help us receive the materials needed for continuous surface finishing, and at the same time strictly control the cost of each product within an affordable range, effectively reducing your project cost.

• Fast Lead Time

  We have state-of-the-art surface finishing equipment and an experienced team to help us meet and exceed your expectations for lead times and quantities, ensuring we deliver on time.

• 24/7 Engineering Support

  Our 12-year-experienced expert team is always ready to provide professional opinions and suggestions on your orders, improvements, and preferences.

• Brushing

  Metal brushing is a finishing process used to achieve a specific surface texture or appearance on metal parts. This technique is commonly used in various industries to improve the aesthetic quality, functional properties, and overall performance of metal surfaces.

  Brushing Method:

  Hand vs. Machine Brushing: Decide whether to use manual or automated brushing:

  Hand Brushing: Suitable for small batches, detailed work, or custom finishes.

  Machine Brushing: Ideal for large volumes or uniform results. Includes options like rotary brushes or belt brushes.

  Brushing Direction: Choose between linear, random, or specific patterns based on the desired surface texture and appearance.

  Design Considerations:

  Define the specific requirements such as texture, gloss level, or pattern. Establish clear standards for finish quality, dimensional tolerances, and surface roughness.

  The hardness and thickness of the metal can influence the brushing process and the choice of brushes. Harder materials may require more aggressive brushes.
• Painting & Functional Coating

  Painting and functional coating are methods used to enhance the appearance, durability, and functionality of surfaces. IDEAL can achieve painting effect like Gloss, semi-gloss, flat, metallic, textured. We canalso simulate a specific Mold-Tech texture or soft touch to achieve a feel similar to the texture orover-molding of injection molded parts.

  
  

  Types of Paint:

  Water-Based Paints: Includes acrylics and latex paints. These are easy to clean, have low odor, and dry quickly.

  Oil-Based Paints: Includes alkyd and enamel paints. Known for their durability and smooth finish but require solvents for cleanup.

  Specialty Paints: Includes high-temperature, anti-corrosive, and mildew-resistant paints tailored for specific environments.

  Anti-Corrosive Coatings: Protect metals from rust and corrosion (e.g., zinc-rich primers, epoxy coatings).

  UV-Resistant Coatings: Protect surfaces from ultraviolet light degradation (e.g., for outdoor materials).

  All You Need to Know About Painting

  Design Considerations:

  Ensure the coating is suitable for the substrate material and intended use and consider factors such as exposure to moisture, temperature, and UV light. POM and PP materials do not have the required adhesiveness for painting, and Sanding should take place before painting.
• Sanding & Polishing

  Sanding involves using abrasives to remove material from a surface, which helps to smooth out rough areas, shape the material, or prepare it for further finishing.

  Type of Sanding:

  Manual Sanding: Uses sandpaper or sanding blocks applied by hand. Various grits are used, starting from coarse (e.g., 60-80 grit) to fine (e.g., 400-600 grit).

  Mechanical Sanding: Uses power tools like orbital sanders, belt sanders, or disc sanders. This method is faster and more uniform compared to manual sanding.

  Polishing is a finishing process aimed at achieving a smooth, glossy, and reflective surface. It involves the use of abrasives or polishing compounds to further refine a surface after sanding. Polishing can be labor-intensive and time-consuming especially for large or intricate items and high-quality finishes.

  
  

  Types of Polishing:

  Manual Polishing: Uses polishing cloths or pads along with polishing compounds. This method is often used for small or detailed areas.

  Mechanical Polishing: Uses power tools such as rotary polishers or orbital buffers, often equipped with polishing pads and compounds, to achieve a high shine.

  All You Need to Know Sanding And Polishing

  Combining Sanding and Polishing:

  Start with coarse grits to remove major imperfections and gradually move to finer grits to smooth the surface. Ensure that all previous scratch marks are removed by the finer grits before moving to the polishing stage. After sanding, use polishing compounds and tools to achieve the desired level of shine and smoothness. This step enhances the surface's appearance and can provide a protective layer.

  
  

  Design Considerations:

  Ensure that the sanding and polishing techniques do not damage the material or alter its properties adversely. Use appropriate pressure and speed to avoid over-sanding or damaging the surface.
• Sand Blasting & Bead Blasting

  Sand blasting involves propelling sand or another abrasive material at high velocity onto a surface to remove contaminants, rust, or old paint and to prepare the surface for further treatments.

  Abrasives: Typically includes silica sand, but other materials like aluminum oxide or garnet can also be used depending on the application.

  Bead blasting, also known as glass bead blasting, uses glass beads or other spherical abrasives to clean or polish surfaces. Less aggressive than sand blasting, reducing the risk of surface damage. Produces a smoother, more uniform surface finish.

  Abrasives: Typically glass beads, but other materials like ceramic beads or plastic media can be used depending on the required finish.

  Discover Differences: Sand Blasting VS.Glass Bead Blasting

  Design Considerations:

  Surface Type: Sand blasting is suitable for heavy-duty cleaning and surface preparation, while bead blasting is better for fine finishing and polishing.

  Desired Finish: For a rough, aggressive clean, sand blasting is effective; for a smoother, more polished finish, bead blasting is preferable.

  Material Sensitivity: Bead blasting is ideal for more delicate or precision surfaces to avoid damage.

  Environmental and Safety Concerns: Bead blasting generally produces less dust and is safer for operators, but it can be more expensive.
• Anodizing

  Anodizing is an electrochemical process used to enhance the natural oxide layer on the surface of metals, particularly aluminum. This process increases the thickness of the oxide layer, which improves the metal's resistance to corrosion and wear.

  Types of Anodizing:

  Type II Anodizing is suited for general-purpose applications where good corrosion resistance and appearance are required, but extreme hardness is not necessary. Thickness generally between 5 to 25 microns, and The finish can range from clear to various colors if dyed. 

  Type III Anodizing (Hard Anodizing) produces a thicker and harder coating for heavy-duty applications. It’s ideal for components that will experience significant wear or harsh environmental conditions. Thickness generally between 25 to 150 microns. Results in a more matte, dark gray or black finish due to the thicker coating.

   All You Need to Know About Anodizing

  Design Considerations:

  Complex geometries with deep recesses or intricate details can lead to uneven anodizing. Design parts to minimize deep recesses or use fixtures that can ensure consistent coating. Ensure that parts are designed with adequate ventilation to allow uniform coating and prevent trapping of gases or electrolytes.
• Powder Coating

  Powder coating is a dry finishing process that uses finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto a surface. The coated object is then heated in an oven, where the powder melts and cures to form a durable, uniform finish.

  Types of Powder Coating:

  Thermosetting Powders: These powders undergo a chemical reaction during curing, resulting in a permanent bond. They are typically more durable and heat-resistant.

  Thermoplastic Powders: These powders can be remelted and reformed. They are often used for applications requiring flexibility and impact resistance.

  
  

  All You Need to Know About Powder Coating

  Design Considerations:

  Not all materials can be powder-coated; it's typically applied to metals (steel, aluminum, etc.). Some plastics and composites may require special powders or techniques. While a wide variety of colors are available, achieving precise color matching can be challenging compared to liquid paints.
• Plating

  Plating is a process of coating a metal or non-metal surface with a layer of metal to enhance properties such as appearance, corrosion resistance, and durability. 

  Types of Plating:

  Electroplating: Uses electrical current to deposit metal ions from a solution onto a surface. Common Used Metals: Chrome, nickel, gold, silver, copper. 

  Electroless Plating: A chemical process that deposits metal without an external electrical source. Common USed Metals: Nickel, copper, palladium.

  Hot-Dip Plating: Immerses the item in molten metal, commonly used for zinc or aluminum coatings. Common Used Metals: Zinc (galvanizing), aluminum, tin.

  Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): A vacuum process where metal is vaporized and then condensed onto the substrate. Common Used Metals: Titanium, chromium, zirconium.

  
  

  Common Plating Materials:

  Chrome: Provides a shiny finish and excellent corrosion resistance.

  Nickel: Offers corrosion resistance and hardness; often used as a base layer.

  Gold: Used for its aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance in electronics.

  
  

  All You Need to Know About Plating

  Design Considerations:

  Determine the type of plating needed based on the required properties, such as corroslon resistance or conductivity. Design for the required thickness to achieve the desired properties. Too thick or too thin a coating can affect performance and appearance.
• Black Oxide

  Black oxide, also known as blackening, is a conversion coating used to create a black finish on metal surfaces, typically ferrous metals like steel and iron. It’s commonly used for its aesthetic appeal, corrosion resistance, and other functional benefits.

  Process Variations

  Hot Blackening: Involves immersing the metal in a hot, alkaline oxidizing solution. This method provides a more durable finish and is used for high-volume industrial applications.

  Cold Blackening: Uses room-temperature solutions and is suitable for smaller batches or less critical applications. The finish may not be as durable as hot blackening.

  Gun Bluing: A similar process used primarily for firearms, involving a different chemical composition and often resulting in a blue-black finish.

  Black oxide is primarily applied to ferrous metals like cast iron, carbon steel and alloy steels, but also non-ferrous metals likes aluminum, copper, brass, and stianless steel. Special care and different formulations are required for effective black oxide treatment on non-ferrous metals.

  All You Need to Know About Black Oxide

  Design Considerations:

  Compatibility: Ensure the material is compatible with the black oxide process to achieve the desired finish and performance.

  Chemicals: The chemicals used in the black oxide process can be hazardous. Proper handling, storage, and disposal are crucial to ensure safety and environmental compliance.

  Limited Corrosion Protection: Offers less protection compared to other coatings; additional protective treatments may be required for enhanced durability.
• Passivation

  Passivation is a chemical treatment process used to enhance the corrosion resistance of metals, particularly stainless steel and other alloys. It involves creating a protective oxide layer on the surface of the metal to prevent further oxidation and degradation.

  Common Materials for Passivation

  Stainless Steel: The most common material treated with passivation, particularly types 304 and 316. Passivation is crucial for enhancing the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.

  Aluminum: Passivation can be applied to aluminum to improve its resistance to oxidation and corrosion.

  Titanium: Passivation is used to improve the performance of titanium in aggressive environments.

  All You Need to Know About Passivation

  Design Consideration:

  Ensure the passivation method is suitable for the specific metal being treated (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, titanium). Different materials require different passivation solutions and processes. Be aware of the alloy composition, as it can affect the passivation outcome. For example, stainless steel with higher chromium content generally has better passivation results. Consider how the passivation process will interact with subsequent treatments such as painting, coating, or assembly.
• Heat Treatment

  Heat treatment involves heating and cooling materials, typically metals, to alter their properties and improves mechanical properties like hardness, strength, and ductility. Common in steel, aluminum, and other alloys.

  Annealing: Heating and then slowly cooling to reduce hardness and improve ductility.

  Quenching: Rapid cooling from high temperatures to increase hardness.

  Tempering: Reheating quenched materials to reduce brittleness and increase toughness.

  Normalizing: Heating to a high temperature and then cooling in air to refine grain structure.

  All You Need to Know About Heat Treatment

  Design Consideration:

  When applying heat treatments, it's important to consider factors like the type of material, desired properties, and end application. Heat treating insufficiently or excessively can result in the material becoming over-hardened, overly soft, or having unwanted mechanical properties.
• Etching & Laser Engraving & Silk Screen Printing

  Etching is a technique used to carve designs into a surface, typically metal, glass, or certain types of plastics. The process involves applying a corrosive substance (etchant) to the material to create an engraved pattern.

  
  

  Laser engraving uses a focused laser beam to remove material from the surface to create designs, text, or images. This method is known for its precision and versatility.

  
  

  Silk screen printing (or screen printing) involves pushing ink through a mesh screen onto a substrate, such as paper, fabric, or plastic. A stencil (or screen) blocks certain areas, allowing ink to pass through only the open areas.

  Discover Differences: Laser Engraving VS. Etching VS. Silk Screen Printing

  Design Consideration:

  Material: Laser engraving for hard surfaces like metal or glass, etching for detailed metal or glass designs, silk screen printing for fabric or large surface areas.

  Detail and Precision: Laser engraving offers the highest precision; etching is also very detailed; silk screen printing is better for less intricate designs.

  Volume: Silk screen printing is cost-effective for large volumes; laser engraving and etching may be more suitable for smaller batches or custom work.

  Budget: Silk screen printing has a lower setup cost for large runs; laser engraving and etching can be more expensive upfront but offer high precision.

Available Surface Finishing for Each Material in IDEAL

Finishing Service Cases