Surfaces Finishes

Finishes for Metal

Standard

Part is cleaned and deburred. No surface finishes are applied.

Type II Anodize

Type II anodize provides increased corrosion resistance and can be used as a base for paint and other finishes. Thickness ranges from .0002”-.0012”. Will conform to MIL-A-8625 Type II, Class 2. MIL-A-8625.

Color anodizing involves using dyes to affect the part’s surface color. Anodized colors cannot be matched to specific Pantone or RAL colors. Type II coatings are susceptible to wear and may bleach or fade under prolonged direct sunlight.

Type III Hardcoat Anodize

Type III hardcoat anodize produces a thicker layer of standard anodizing, making it more durable and wear-resistant. It can be used as a base for paint and other finishes. Colors tend to come out slightly dark due to thickness. Anodized colors cannot be matched to specific Pantone or RAL colors. Thickness is generally 0.002” and will conform to MIL-A-8625, Type III, Class 1/2.

Although unpigmented, a clear hardcoat anodize finish will darken the part surface due to the higher thickness of the coating compared to standard anodizing. Depending on various factors, the natural color can vary from light to darker gray or brown.

Chromate Conversion (Chem-Film)

Chromate conversion coatings, also known as chem-film, enhance corrosion resistance and conductivity properties and can be used as a base for paint. Chem-film coatings add very little thickness, about 0.00001”-0.00004”. Chem-film will conform to MIL-DTL-5541, TYPE I/II CLASS 1A or CLASS 3 as specified. If other specifications, such as MIL-DTL-81706, are required, they should be specified in a supplied drawing.

Type I chromate conversion coatings contain hexavalent chromium, which causes the coating to appear gold or brown in color typically. Type II lacks hexavalent chromium, thus the coating will appear clear and not affect surface coloration.

Powder Coating

Provides a continuous, protective color finish on parts using evenly applied, heat-cured paint. Thickness is usually .006”-.012” and conforms to ASTM D7803 and various MIL and FDE specifications. Various colors and sheens can be chosen.

See all of our powder coating finishes in our powder coat finishes gallery.

3D Printing Finishes

Vapor Smoothing

Vapor smoothing creates a uniform, sealed surface with a semi-gloss appearance. It can be combined with our color dyeing option. Click here to learn more about vapor smoothing.

A standard offering for:
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

Color Dyeing

Parts are submerged in a dye solution that penetrates roughly ~0.010” into the surface, altering the surface’s color. Coloration may vary slightly from batch to batch.

A standard offering for:
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) — Black Only

Nickel Plating

Standard finish with a secondary copper + nickel plating process, adding a 0.004″-0.006″ nickel coating. Nickel plating adds durability, stiffness, and wear resistance but is not considered cosmetic. The finish is rough nickel.

A standard offering for:

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Injection Molding Finishes

Standard Finish

Moldmaker’s choice of finish. Typically SPI B-2, depending on geometry and drafts. Interior, non-cosmetic faces, are typically as-machined.

SPI Finishes

Range of Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) finishes from Grade 3 diamond / high polish to 320 stone low polish. Finishes include: SPI A-1, SPI A-2, SPI A-3, SPI B-1, SPI B-2, SPI B-3, SPI C-1, SPI C-2, SPI C-3, SPI D-1, SPI D-2, and SPI D-3

MoldTech Finishes (Mold Texturing)

Range of finishes including matte, swirls, lines, and patterns. Our most common texture finishes include: MoldTech MT11010, MoldTech MT11020, and MoldTech MT11030. Other textured finishes can be added by request.

Other Textures - VDI

VDI 3400 Surface Finish (commonly known as VDI surface finish) refers to the mold texture standard set by Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI), the Society of German Engineers. This is mainly processed by EDM machining, producing fine to coarse matte finishes.

As Molded

No secondary polishing or grinding. Part will show tooling marks.

Threaded Inserts

We can install most commonly used standard inserts in UNF and metric sizes.

Pad Printing

Transfer a 2D image onto a 3D part. All images are subject to review.

Laser Engraving

Engrave part numbers, logos, and more onto your parts.

Assembly

ANPLLO has the ability to assemble and label injection molded parts. Discuss your needs with your salesperson.

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