Surface Treatment for CNC Machining

What are Surface treatment?

Surface treatment in CNC machining refer to the quality and texture of the surface of a part after it has been machined. It is the process of giving a final touch to the surface of a part to achieve a certain level of smoothness, reflectivity, or texture.

What kinds of surface treatment JLCPCB can process?

There are several types of surface treatment at JLCPCB that can be achieved through CNC machining.

1. As machined: Parts are machined and deburred, and sharp edges are chamfered. Visible machining marks, and minor surface scratches.

2. Sandblasting treatment: Bead blasting is a surface treatment process that involves spraying small glass or ceramic beads at high pressure onto a part's surface. This process can create a uniform matte treatment, which can hide surface imperfections.

3. Brushed treatment: A brushed finish involves running a wire brush over a part's surface to create parallel lines that are visible to the naked eye. This treatment is often used on metals to give them a contemporary and industrial look.

4. Anodized treatment: Anodizing is an electrochemical process that forms an oxide layer on the surface of a part. This layer can provide improved corrosion resistance, as well as a range of color options. Anodizing is commonly used on aluminum parts.

Note: When anodizing is selected but without selecting bead blasting, the parts will still be bead blasted (mesh 120) by default. If the parts do not require any bead blasting but only anodizing, please specifically leave a note in the CNC remarks.

5. Hardcoat anodizing treatment: Hardcoat anodizing is an anodizing process that creates a thicker and harder oxide layer on a part's surface. This treatment is often used in high-wear applications where durability is crucial.

6. Conductive anodizing treatment: Conductive anodizing is a type of anodizing that is designed to create a conductive layer on a part's surface. This finish is commonly used in electronic applications where electrical conductivity is required.

7. Silkscreen: Silkscreening is a printing process that involves pressing ink through a mesh stencil onto a part's surface. This process can create detailed designs and logos that are durable and resistant to wear.

8. Laser marking: Laser marking is a process that uses a laser to etch a part's surface with a design or marking. This process can create high-contrast designs that are precise and long-lasting.

9. Hand polishing: Hand polishing is a manual polishing process that removes a thin layer of material from the surface of the workpiece to make it smooth and shiny.

10. Vapor polishing: Vapor polishing is a finishing service commonly used to achieve high levels of transparency in plastic, as plastic is used to make a lightweight optical quality lens. Vapor polishing is one of the best and fastest ways to achieve optimal transparency.

11. Mirror polishing: Mirror polishing is a surface finishing process that uses a series of increasingly fine abrasive tools and compounds to produce a highly reflective, mirror-like surface treatment.

Please kindly note :

The aluminum alloy parts removed from the anodizing tree cannot be anodized at the points of contact with the tree. These areas serve as the voltage contact points, commonly referred to as hanging points. The hanging point positions often show a white residue and may even be at risk of damage, which can be not avoided.

Therefore, when designing aluminum alloy products that require anodizing, it is advisable to add hanging point holes in non-functional areas to avoid compromising the overall appearance of the product.

Why do we need to do surface treatment in CNC machining?

The purpose of surface treatment in CNC machining is to improve the surface characteristics of a workpiece for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Improved appearance: Surface treatment can enhance the visual appeal of a part by creating a particular texture or shine. Surface treatment like anodizing or painting can also add color or design to a part.

2. Improved durability: A certain surface treatment, such as hard coat anodizing, can improve the wear and corrosion resistance of a part, making it more durable and long-lasting.

3. Improved functionality: Surface treatment can alter the surface of a part to improve its functionality. For example, electropolishing can smooth out a part's surface to reduce friction or create a better surface for adhering coatings or other treatment.

4. Protection: Surface treatment can also provide protection to a part's surface from environmental factors like moisture, sunlight, or chemicals.

5. Easier maintenance: A certain surface treatment can make a part easier to clean, maintain, or repair, reducing downtime and costs associated with upkeep.

Can You Combine Multiple Surface treatment?

Yes, it is possible to combine multiple surface treatment on a single part. In fact, many parts in CNC machining require a combination of different surface treatment to achieve the desired appearance, functionality, and performance.

For example, a part might have a brushed finish on one surface to create a specific texture or look, and a hard coat anodized finish on another surface to increase durability and resistance to wear. Or, a part might have a silkscreened design on top of an anodized finish to create a customized appearance.

Overall, surface treatment is an essential part of CNC machining that allows for the creation of high-quality parts that meet specific requirements for appearance, functionality, and performance.