Surface Finishing Solutions
Samshion Rapid provides comprehensive, integrated surface treatment for precision components.
We support over 20 high-performance finishes across diverse manufacturing platforms, including CNC prototype, rapid tooling, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication. Our goal is to enhance every part’s durability and aesthetic value.
One Supplier for Machining, Molding, and Finishing
Surface finishing is the last step before a part ships, and the most common source of schedule delay when handled by a separate supplier. Samshion integrates CNC machining, injection molding, die casting, stamping, and surface finishing under one roof , meaning the finishing process is scheduled, controlled, and inspected as part of the same production workflow.
Coverage spans three material domains. For CNC machined and stamped metal parts: anodizing, PVD, nickel plating, powder coat, electropolish, and passivation. For injection mold tooling: SPI polishing, VDI and Mold-Tech chemical texturing, EDM spark texture, gas nitriding, DLC coating, and hard chrome. For injection molded plastic parts: spray paint, UV lacquer, pad printing, chrome on plastic, vapor polishing, laser marking, and IMD/IML.
Finishing is also applied to customer-supplied parts. If a mold tool requires nitriding, a machined part requires electroless nickel, or a molded plastic housing requires spray painting, Samshion accepts these as stand-alone finishing orders.
Dimensional Control Through Finish
Machining pre-stock accounts for finish thickness. Finished parts hit the drawing callout without re-machining.
Mold Finishing Specialists
SPI A1 mold polishing, VDI/Mold-Tech texturing, nitriding, and DLC , tooling-grade finishes performed by experienced mold polishers.
Full Plastic Part Decoration
From spray paint and UV coat to pad print, chrome on plastic, laser mark, and IMD , complete plastic part finishing in one order.
Process Records with Every Order
Coating thickness measurements, bath parameters, and material certificates accompany every finishing shipment.
Customer-Supplied Parts Accepted
Submit parts from any source for stand-alone finishing. Inspect in, process, inspect out, return with records.
All Finishing Processes , Select a Category
Seven process categories covering metal, mold tool, and plastic part finishing. Select a tab to see detailed descriptions and material compatibility.
Anodize Type II (Standard)
Electrolytic oxidation creates an aluminum oxide layer integral to the substrate , it cannot chip, peel, or flake. The anodic layer is porous and accepts dye before sealing, enabling any color from clear/natural through black, red, blue, gold, and custom. Standard anodize is the finishing baseline for aerospace components, consumer electronics enclosures, optical instruments, and architectural profiles. Dimensional growth is approximately 50% of the layer thickness per side.
- Aluminum
- any dye color
Hard Anodize Type III
Hard anodize is produced in a low-temperature (0–5°C) sulfuric acid bath that creates a much denser, harder oxide layer than standard anodize. Hardness of 400–700 HV is comparable to case-hardened steel, making it the standard coating for hydraulic valve bodies, pneumatic cylinder bores, cam lobes, and sliding surfaces where adhesive wear resistance is essential. The deeper penetration into the base material requires additional stock allowance in machining.
- Aluminum
- 25–150µm
Chromate Conversion (Alodine)
Chromate conversion coating is produced by a chemical reaction between the aluminum surface and a chromate solution, creating a thin chromium oxide film under 0.001mm. The coating adds virtually zero dimensional change, preserves electrical conductivity, and provides a corrosion-resistant base for subsequent paint or primer adhesion. It is the aerospace standard for EMI/RFI shielded enclosures, electrical contact areas, and all aluminum components requiring a conductive, paintable surface.
- Aluminum
- MIL-DTL-5541
Electroless Nickel Plating
Electroless nickel is deposited by an autocatalytic chemical reduction reaction , no electrical current is required , which produces a perfectly uniform coating thickness on all surfaces including blind holes, internal threads, and complex undercuts that electrolytic processes cannot reach uniformly. The resulting nickel-phosphorus alloy delivers 500–700 HV hardness after heat treatment, excellent corrosion resistance in industrial environments, and a low coefficient of friction that benefits sliding and rotating components.
- All metals
- 5–75µm
Electrolytic Nickel
Electrolytic nickel plating deposits a bright or semi-bright nickel layer from a nickel sulfamate or Watts bath. It provides good corrosion protection and serves as the standard undercoat layer before decorative chrome plating. In electronics, it provides EMI/RFI shielding on stamped and machined steel enclosures. The coating thickness can be varied across the part by adjusting current density at specific areas, allowing targeted buildup on wear surfaces.
- Steel, copper, brass
- 5–50µm
- bright or matte
Zinc Plating (Trivalent)
Zinc plating is the most economical corrosion protection for steel parts. The zinc coating acts as a sacrificial anode , it corrodes preferentially to protect the steel substrate even when the coating is scratched or damaged. Trivalent chromate passivation (blue-white, yellow iridescent, or black) is applied after plating for additional corrosion resistance and is fully RoHS compliant. Standard finish for automotive fasteners, stampings, CNC brackets, and general industrial steel components.
- Steel
- 5–25µm
PVD Coating (TiN / TiAlN)
Physical vapor deposition deposits ultra-hard refractory compounds — titanium nitride (TiN, gold color), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN, dark grey), or chromium nitride (CrN, silver) — onto tool steel and carbide substrates at elevated temperature in a vacuum chamber. Hardness of 2,000–3,500 HV is achieved in a coating of 1–5µm. PVD coatings are used on cutting tools, forming punches, medical instruments, and premium decorative hardware requiring permanent metallic appearance with extreme scratch resistance.
- Steel, titanium, carbide
- 1–5µm
- 2,000–3,500 HV
Electropolishing
Electropolishing is the electrochemical removal of a thin surface layer (typically 5–20µm) from stainless steel or titanium. The process preferentially removes surface micro-peaks and embedded contamination, improving Ra by 50% and creating a chromium-rich passive film more corrosion resistant than a mechanically polished surface. Electropolishing is specified for medical implants, pharmaceutical processing equipment, food contact surfaces, and any application where bacterial retention in surface micro-crevices is a concern.
- Stainless steel, titanium
- Ra improvement 50%
Passivation
Passivation uses citric or nitric acid to remove free iron, iron compounds, and other surface contamination from stainless steel, allowing the chromium in the alloy to reform the dense, stable chromium oxide passive film. The process adds no material to the surface , it is a cleaning and conditioning treatment that maximizes the inherent corrosion resistance of the stainless steel. Standard requirement for medical, food service, and marine stainless components.
- Stainless steel
- ASTM A967 / AMS 2700
Black Oxide
Black oxide is a chemical conversion coating applied to ferrous metals by immersion in hot alkaline sodium hydroxide and nitrate salt solution. The thin magnetite (Fe₃O₄) layer adds minimal dimensional change and provides a flat black, non-reflective appearance along with mild corrosion resistance when sealed with oil or wax. Standard for firearms components, optical equipment mounts, hand tools, and any application requiring a low-reflectivity, cost-effective black finish on steel.
- Steel, stainless steel
- 1–2µm
Powder Coat
Powder coating electrostatically applies dry thermosetting polymer powder to the metal surface, which is then cured in an oven at 160–200°C to flow and cross-link into a tough, impact-resistant film. The process produces a finish harder, more abrasion-resistant, and more environmentally durable than liquid paint of equivalent thickness. UV-stable polyester powders are standard for outdoor applications; epoxy powders provide maximum chemical resistance for industrial enclosures. Any RAL or custom color is available.
- Steel, stainless, aluminum
- 60–120µm
Wet Paint
Two-component polyurethane (2K PU) paint mixed at point of application cures to a harder, more chemical-resistant film than single-component systems. It achieves the finest surface quality , Ra below 0.5µm , and is the standard for automotive exterior grade Class A surfaces. Solid gloss, matte, metallic, soft-touch, and textured PU topcoat options are available, mixed to any RAL or Pantone reference. For large assemblies with complex geometry that powder coat cannot reach uniformly, 2K PU is the alternative.
- All metals
- any color
E-Coat
Electrocoating (e-coat) immerses parts in a water-based epoxy or acrylic paint bath and applies direct current to deposit a uniform film on all surfaces , internal cavities, weld seams, and hidden channels , that spray painting cannot reach. Cathodic epoxy e-coat (KTL) is the automotive industry standard for body-in-white corrosion protection, providing 500+ hours salt spray resistance under topcoat. It is the basis for automotive chassis, brackets, and stampings requiring whole-surface corrosion protection before final painting.
- Steel
- uniform corrosion protection
Bead Blast / Shot Blast
Glass bead blasting propels fine glass spheres at the metal surface under compressed air, creating a uniform matte texture by cold-working the surface without removing significant material. Shot blasting uses steel shot for more aggressive surface preparation on heavy components. Both processes remove machining marks, mill scale, oxidation, and contamination while creating a consistent cosmetic baseline. Bead blasting is standard preparation before anodizing, powder coating, and electroless nickel plating.
- All metals
- uniform matte
Brushed Finish
Brushed finishes apply progressive abrasive belts in a controlled linear direction, producing a fine, uniform grain texture. ASTM #4 finish (Ra 0.5–0.8µm) is the standard for food-grade stainless steel equipment, appliance panels, and medical equipment. Hairline finish (Ra 0.1–0.3µm) is specified for premium decorative applications. Each component is fixtured to ensure grain direction matches the drawing callout.
- Stainless steel, aluminum
- directional
Polishing
Mechanical polishing uses progressive grits from 120 through 2000 followed by buffing compounds to achieve Ra values down to 0.025µm (SPI A1 mirror finish). This level of surface refinement is required for injection mold cavity surfaces, optical surfaces, medical implant contact areas, and precision valve sealing faces. SPI A1 mirror on tool steel and polished electroless nickel surfaces is verified by surface profilometer before shipment.
- All metals
- mirror to semi-mirror
Mold Cavity Polishing (SPI Grades)
Injection mold cavity polishing follows the SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) standard, which defines six grades from A1 (diamond paste mirror, Ra ≤0.012µm) to D3 (dry sand blasted, Ra 6.3µm). Grade A1–A3 mirror polishing is used for optical lenses, clear cosmetic parts, and medical device components requiring a blemish-free, transparent plastic surface. Grades B1–B3 (600–320 grit) produce a fine satin finish for most consumer and industrial injection molded parts. Grades C1–C3 produce a stone finish for parts not requiring a cosmetic surface. Samshion achieves SPI A1 on P20, H13, S136, and 2738 tool steel.
- Tool steel, stainless steel molds
- SPI A1–D3
Mold Texture , Chemical Etching (Mold-Tech / VDI 3400)
Chemical mold texturing etches a controlled pattern into the mold cavity steel using photochemical or laser-masked acid processes. Mold-Tech (MT) is the North American standard; VDI 3400 is the European equivalent. VDI 12 is a very fine grain (Ra 0.4µm equivalent), progressing to VDI 45 (Ra 18µm), a deep, coarse grain. Texture is specified by the draft angle requirement , coarser textures require greater draft on the plastic part to allow ejection. Chemical texturing is standard for automotive interior panels, consumer electronics housings, soft-touch grips, and any part requiring a tactile, non-glare surface appearance.
- Tool steel molds
- VDI 12–45
Spark Erosion Texture (EDM Texturing)
EDM spark texturing uses electrical discharge machining to create a controlled, repeatable surface texture directly in the mold cavity. Unlike chemical etching, EDM texture can be applied to selected areas with sharp boundaries, enabling texture-in-texture designs and text, logos, or geometric patterns in the mold surface. EDM texture achieves a very consistent, isotropic surface profile and is used for decorative automotive trims, premium cosmetic parts, and product branding elements integrated into the mold rather than printed post-molding.
- Tool steel molds
- precise repeat pattern
Gas Nitriding (Mold Hardening)
Gas nitriding diffuses nitrogen into the tool steel surface at 500–600°C without quenching, creating a hard, wear-resistant case of 0.1–0.3mm depth and 950–1100 HV surface hardness. Because the process temperature is below the tempering temperature of most tool steels, the core remains at its original tempered hardness and no distortion occurs. Nitriding is standard for extending the service life of high-production injection mold cores and cavities , particularly those processing glass-filled or abrasive plastics , and for die-casting dies exposed to repeated thermal cycling.
- Tool steel (H13, P20, 4140)
- 0.1–0.3mm case
DLC Coating (Diamond-Like Carbon)
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating is applied by PVD or PECVD (plasma-enhanced CVD) at low temperature (150–250°C), depositing an amorphous carbon film with hardness of 1,500–3,000 HV and an extremely low coefficient of friction (0.05–0.15). On mold components, DLC prevents adhesion of plastic to steel surfaces, reduces ejection force, and extends mold life in high-speed cycling applications. DLC is particularly effective on mold ejector pins, cores with thin ribs, and any surface where material sticking and abrasive wear are the primary failure modes.
- Tool steel molds, inserts
- dry lubrication
Hard Chrome Plating on Molds
Industrial hard chrome plating deposits a thick, hard chromium layer (850–1,000 HV) on mold cavity surfaces from a hexavalent or trivalent chrome electrolytic bath. The coating provides a high-polish base surface, reduces plastic sticking, and protects mold steel from abrasive and corrosive wear in long-run production molds. Hard chrome on molds also enables re-plating as a repair and refurbishment strategy , worn surfaces can be stripped, re-machined, and re-plated to restore original dimensions rather than replacing the mold insert.
- Tool steel molds
- 25–100µm
Spray Painting on Plastic
Spray painting on plastic parts requires an adhesion promoter primer and a two-component polyurethane or acrylic topcoat formulated specifically for plastic substrates. Proper surface preparation , degreasing, static discharge, and light sanding , is essential for paint adhesion and uniform gloss. Samshion offers gloss, matte, soft-touch (rubber feel), metallic, and pearlescent topcoat options in any RAL or Pantone color. The soft-touch PU texture widely used in automotive interior trims, medical device grips, and consumer electronics is achieved by specialized low-sheen PU formulas.
- ABS, PC, PC/ABS, Nylon, PP
- Any RAL / Pantone
UV Coating (UV Lacquer)
UV coating applies a clear or pigmented liquid lacquer to the plastic surface that is cured in seconds by ultraviolet light, producing a hard (pencil hardness 3H–5H), scratch-resistant, high-gloss film. UV lacquer provides a premium piano-black or transparent glass-like appearance on plastic housings, dashboard overlays, display bezels, and decorative covers. Compared to 2K PU topcoat, UV lacquer achieves higher surface gloss, greater scratch resistance, and a thinner, more consistent film , it is the preferred finish for premium consumer electronics panels and automotive interior high-gloss trim inserts.
- ABS, PC, PMMA plastics
- High hardness / High gloss
Pad Printing on Plastic
Pad printing transfers a 2D image from an engraved plate (cliché) to a three-dimensional plastic surface via a silicone pad. The process accommodates curved, recessed, and irregular surfaces that screen printing cannot access. It achieves 0.1–0.3mm feature resolution, enabling small logos, component markings, measurement scales, and functional labels on knobs, switches, medical device housings, and electronic enclosures. Pad printing inks are available in standard and UV-cured formulations and can be matched to Pantone references.
- All plastics
- 0.1–0.3mm feature resolution
Silk Screen Printing on Plastic
Silk screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen stretched over a frame onto flat or mildly curved plastic surfaces. It is economical for high-volume decoration of flat panels, decals, product labels, and keyboard legends. Up to eight spot colors can be applied in sequential passes, and specialty inks , conductive, UV-fluorescent, glow-in-the-dark, thermochromic , are available. Screen printing is standard for membrane switch overlays, control panel graphics, and product branding on large flat housings where consistent, high-opacity color is required.
- Flat/mildly curved plastic surfaces
- 0.3mm resolution
Chrome Plating on Plastic (Electroless + Electrolytic)
Plastic chrome plating begins with an electroless copper-nickel activation sequence that renders the plastic surface electrically conductive, followed by electrolytic bright nickel and decorative chrome deposition. Chrome-grade ABS contains a specific butadiene phase distribution that provides the necessary etch anchorage for the metal film. The finished plastic chrome part replicates the appearance of solid metal at a fraction of the weight and cost, and is standard for automotive grilles, exterior trims, plumbing fixtures, and premium consumer product hardware where metal aesthetics are required in plastic construction.
- ABS, ABS/PC (chrome-grade)
- Mirror chrome
Vapor Polishing
Vapor polishing exposes machined or molded polycarbonate and acrylic surfaces to a controlled solvent vapor (typically methylene chloride or acetone-based) that briefly melts and reflows the top molecular layer of the plastic, eliminating machining marks, gate blemishes, weld lines, and surface hazing. The result is a restored optical clarity equivalent to a transparent mold cavity surface, without any mechanical abrasion. Vapor polishing is standard for sight glasses, lighting covers, medical device windows, laboratory equipment, and any transparent plastic component where optical transmittance is critical.
- PC (polycarbonate), PMMA (acrylic)
- Optical clarity restoration
IMD / IML (In-Mold Decoration)
In-Mold Decoration (IMD) and In-Mold Labeling (IML) insert a pre-printed film or label into the injection mold before the cycle. Molten plastic bonds to the back of the film during injection, integrating the graphic permanently below the surface of the part , protected from scratching, UV degradation, and chemical attack. IMD/IML eliminates post-mold painting and labeling operations, reduces assembly steps, and enables full-color photographic graphics, metallized finishes, and carbon fiber appearance on mass-produced plastic components for automotive interiors, appliance panels, and consumer electronics.
- Injection molded plastic parts
- Sub-surface graphic protection
Laser Marking / Laser Engraving on Plastic
Laser marking uses a focused laser beam to chemically alter or ablate the plastic surface, creating permanent text, barcodes, QR codes, serial numbers, logos, and graphics without inks, solvents, or tooling. On ABS and PC, the laser typically creates a high-contrast light or dark mark by locally melting and carbonizing the surface. On color-pigmented plastics, the laser removes the top pigmented layer to reveal a contrasting color underneath. Laser marking is fully traceable, eliminates consumable costs, and withstands the chemical cleaning cycles and sterilization procedures required in medical and industrial environments.
- ABS, PC, Nylon, acetal, most plastics
- No inks
All Finishing Processes at a Glance
Complete reference table covering metal, mold, and plastic finishing , material compatibility, thickness, purpose, cost level, and lead time.
| Group | Process | Material | Purpose | Thickness | Cost | Lead Time |
| Aluminum | Anodize Type II | Al only | Corrosion + color | 10–25µm | Low | 3–5 days |
| Aluminum | Hard Anodize Type III | Al only | Wear resistance | 25–75µm | Med | 5–7 days |
| Aluminum | Chromate (Alodine) | Al only | Conductivity + paint base | <0.001mm | Low | 2–3 days |
| Steel / Metal | Electroless Nickel | All metals | Uniform wear + corrosion | 5–75µm | Med | 5–7 days |
| Steel / Metal | Zinc Plate (Trivalent) | Steel only | Sacrificial corrosion | 5–25µm | Low | 3–5 days |
| Steel / Metal | PVD TiN / TiAlN | Steel, Ti | Extreme hardness | 1–5µm | High | 7–10 days |
| Steel / Metal | Black Oxide | Steel, SS | Low-reflectivity + mild corr. | 1–2µm | Low | 2–3 days |
| Stainless / Ti | Electropolish | SS, Ti only | Hygiene + passive film | -5–20µm | Med | 3–5 days |
| Stainless / Ti | Passivation | Stainless only | Passive film restoration | Nil | Low | 2–3 days |
| Paint & Coat | Powder Coat | All metals | Color + UV protection | 60–120µm | Low | 3–5 days |
| Paint & Coat | 2K PU Wet Paint | All metals / plastics | Class A color finish | 25–75µm | Med | 3–5 days |
| Paint & Coat | E-Coat (KTL) | Steel | Full-surface corrosion base | 15–30µm | Med | 5–7 days |
| Mechanical | Bead Blast | All metals | Uniform matte prep | — | Low | 1–2 days |
| Mechanical | Polishing (Mirror) | All metals | Mold cavity / optical | — | High | 5–10 days |
| Mold | Mold Polishing (SPI A1–D3) | Tool steel molds | Mold cavity surface quality | — | High | 5–10 days |
| Mold | Chemical Texture (Mold-Tech/VDI) | Tool steel molds | Grain / texture appearance | — | Med | 5–7 days |
| Mold | Gas Nitriding | H13, P20, 4140 | Wear / abrasion resistance | 0.1–0.3mm | Med | 5–7 days |
| Mold | DLC Coating | Tool steel inserts | Dry lubrication + hardness | 1–4µm | High | 7–10 days |
| Mold | Hard Chrome on Mold | Tool steel | Wear + release surface | 25–100µm | High | 7–10 days |
| Plastic | Spray Paint on Plastic | ABS, PC, Nylon, PP | Decorative color finish | 25–80µm | Med | 3–5 days |
| Plastic | UV Coating | ABS, PC, PMMA | High gloss / scratch resist | 5–30µm | Med | 3–5 days |
| Plastic | Pad Printing | All plastics | Text / logo on 3D surface | < 0.05mm | Low | 2–4 days |
| Plastic | Chrome on Plastic | Chrome-grade ABS | Metal appearance on plastic | 25–35µm | High | 7–10 days |
| Plastic | Vapor Polishing | PC, PMMA | Optical clarity restoration | — | Med | 2–3 days |
| Plastic | IMD / IML | Injection molded plastic | Permanent sub-surface graphic | < 0.1mm | Med | 5–7 days |
| Plastic | Laser Marking / Engraving | Most plastics | Permanent traceability / logo | — | Low | 1–3 days |
Design for Surface Finishing
Specify finish before setting final dimensions
Most coatings add measurable thickness. Anodize Type II adds ±0.01mm per side; hard anodize adds ±0.025–0.05mm; powder coat adds 0.06–0.12mm. Holes, threads, and mating surfaces must be sized to accommodate the finish thickness.
Mask features that must remain uncoated
Threaded holes, bearing seats, and electrical contact areas often require masking. Mark features with a 'no-finish' callout on the 2D drawing and provide tolerance on the masked zone boundary.
Anodize grade selection vs. alloy
Anodizing on aluminum alloys with >2% copper (2xxx) or >6% zinc (7xxx) produces inconsistent color and reduced corrosion resistance. 6061 and 6063 anodize reliably; 7075 requires thin Type II or chromate conversion.
VDI / Mold-Tech texture requires adequate draft
Chemical mold texture demands greater part draft angle to allow ejection without scuffing. VDI 21–33 typically requires 3–5° draft; coarser VDI 36–45 may require 5–7°. Confirm draft with the mold designer before texturing.
Plastic chrome requires chrome-grade ABS
Standard ABS does not plate reliably. Chrome-grade ABS (e.g., Magnum EX, Cycolac GPM5500) has a controlled butadiene phase that provides the etch anchor for electroless metal adhesion. Specify chrome-grade ABS at the design stage.
Laser marking on plastic , specify contrast requirements
Laser mark contrast depends on plastic color and additive package. Dark-colored plastics can mark white or light (foaming agents). Light-colored or natural plastics mark dark (carbonization). Confirm sample approval before production.
DLC and nitriding require hardened mold steel substrate
DLC and nitriding are surface treatments, not bulk hardening. For DLC to perform in high-wear applications, the underlying mold steel must be at its full hardness (H13 at 48–52 HRC, P20 at 28–32 HRC) before the coating is applied.
Electroless nickel uniformity requires drain holes
Blind holes and recessed pockets trap plating solution, creating uneven buildup. Through-holes and drainage holes of minimum 2mm diameter prevent solution pooling and ensure uniform coating thickness on internal surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between anodize Type II and Type III?
Type II (standard) anodize is produced in a room-temperature sulfuric acid bath and creates a 5–25µm layer with good corrosion resistance and excellent dyeability. Type III (hard) anodize is produced in a chilled bath (0–5°C) at higher current density, creating a 25–150µm layer with hardness of 400–700 HV , comparable to case-hardened steel. Hard anodize is specified for sliding surfaces, abrasion-resistant applications, and hydraulic components.
What is the difference between SPI mold finish grades?
SPI grades define mold cavity surface quality in four groups: A (diamond buff, mirror), B (stone finish, satin), C (paper finish, matte), and D (blasted finish). Grade A1 achieves Ra ≤0.012µm for optical-clarity transparent parts. B2 (600 grit) is standard for most consumer products. D2 (dry blast glass bead) is used for non-cosmetic structural parts. The grade must be specified on the mold drawing before tooling begins.
Which plastic materials can be chrome plated?
Only chrome-grade ABS and PC/ABS blends designed for electroplating provide adequate etch anchorage for electroless nickel and subsequent chrome. Standard ABS, HIPS, polypropylene, and nylon do not plate reliably without special adhesion promotion. For non-ABS plastics, physical vapor deposition (PVD) chrome or metallized vacuum coating is the alternative.
What is the lead time for surface finishing?
Fastest: laser marking (1–2 days), bead blast (1–2 days), passivation (2–3 days). Standard: anodize (3–5 days), powder coat (3–5 days), pad printing (2–4 days), vapor polishing (2–3 days). Longer: electroless nickel (5–7 days), hard anodize (5–7 days), nitriding (5–7 days), PVD / DLC / hard chrome (7–10 days), mirror polishing (5–10 days).
What VDI / Mold-Tech texture grades are available?
Chemical etching is available from VDI 12 (very fine, Ra 0.4µm equiv.) through VDI 45 (coarse, Ra 18µm equiv.), and Mold-Tech MT series (MT-11010 through MT-11030 and bespoke patterns). EDM spark texture is also available for area-specific or pattern-defined textures. Submit a texture reference or specify by standard designation on the mold drawing.
Can SAMSHION apply surface finishes to parts machined elsewhere?
Yes. Surface finishing can be applied to customer-supplied parts including mold inserts, machined metal parts, and molded plastic components. Submit parts with a 2D drawing showing the finish specification, masking requirements, and critical features. Standard lead time from part receipt is 3–10 days depending on process.
What colors are available for plastic spray painting?
Any RAL, Pantone, NCS, or customer sample can be matched. Spectrophotometer measurement confirms match within Delta-E < 2 before production application. Finish options include high gloss, matte, satin, soft-touch (rubber feel), metallic, pearl, and textured. Separate primer and topcoat passes ensure adhesion on all plastic substrates.
Is powder coating suitable for plastic parts?
Powder coating requires an electrically conductive substrate and oven curing at 160–200°C. Most engineering plastics cannot withstand these temperatures. For plastic parts, spray painting (2K PU or acrylic), UV coating, or powder-on-plastic low-cure formulations are the appropriate alternatives. Confirm the substrate temperature rating before specifying powder coat on plastic.