Choosing a finish for industrial metal parts
A finish should match the material, environment, appearance and assembly requirements.
Start with the environment.
Indoor electrical cabinets, outdoor brackets, cleanable instrument housings and visible equipment panels may need different finish decisions. Describe the environment before choosing a name from a finish list.
| Finish | Often considered for |
|---|---|
| Powder coating | Color, appearance and general protection on suitable steel or aluminum parts |
| Zinc plating | Corrosion protection for selected carbon steel components |
| Blasting | Surface texture or preparation for stainless steel and other parts |
| Brushing | Directional appearance on stainless steel or aluminum surfaces |
| Anodizing | Selected aluminum parts where appearance and surface behavior matter |
This table is an initial discussion guide, not a product specification. Confirm compatibility, masking and required inspection for each drawing.