Different processes. Different finishes. Process-driven appearance.
Each manufacturing process leaves characteristic surface finish. Milled lines, turned circumferential marks, ground lines, cast textures. Match expected finish to process.
Material finishes by process
Use ISO 1302 or ASME Y14.36 surface finish symbols. Specify Ra value, direction (lay), or finish process (e.g., "ground", "polished").
Key principles.
Tool path lines
Visible tool paths in machining direction. Ra 1.6-3.2 µm typical.
Circumferential rings
Concentric ring marks from rotational cutting. Ra 0.4-1.6 µm achievable.
Linear lines
Linear grinding marks. Ra 0.2-0.8 µm.
Matte finish
Random matte texture. Ra 1.6-6.3 µm depending on settings.
Striated edge
Slight striation marks on cut edge. Ra 3.2-6.3 µm.
Granular texture
Sand-cast: rough granular. Investment cast: smoother. Die cast: smoothest.
As-rolled
Original mill finish unless processed. Slight tooling marks at bend lines.
Uniform matte
Even matte finish. Ra 1.6-6.3 µm depending on bead size.
Layer lines
Visible layer lines per print process. Smoother with finer layers.
FAQ
Use ISO 1302 or ASME Y14.36 surface finish symbols. Specify Ra value, direction (lay), or finish process (e.g., "ground", "polished").
Mill 1.6 µm. Turn 0.4 µm. Grind 0.2 µm. Polish 0.05 µm. EDM 1.6 µm. Laser cut 3.2 µm. Each process has practical limit.
Common: mill rough + grind precision + polish cosmetic. Each step adds time + cost. Specify minimum needed.
Heat treat distorts surface, requires re-finishing. Specify finish after heat treat for tight Ra.
Cleaning removes contamination. Finishing changes surface. Both may be needed — clean before paint, polish for cosmetic.
Surface finish per drawing spec verified by surface profilometer. Record kept per part lot.
Get an instant quote
Send your CAD — we reply with detailed pricing, lead time, and DFM feedback within 4 working hours.
Talk to an engineer
WhatsApp our team directly. Most messages answered within 12 minutes during work hours.
Explore all services
CNC, 3D printing, injection molding, sheet metal, casting, finishing — one quality system, one partner.
Keep reading
Quote
Get a free CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding quote from PifyC. Send CAD via WhatsApp or email — q…
Read more →Finishing & treatmentFinishing services
Complete in-house surface finishing: Type II/III anodize, powder coating, electroplating, passivation, bead blas…
Read more →MachiningCNC machine
ISO 9001 certified CNC machining in Wuxi, China. 3, 4 and 5-axis milling, Swiss turning, 40+ materials, ±0.01 mm…
Read more →Additive manufacturing3D printing service
Industrial-grade 3D printing from Wuxi, Jiangsu, China: SLA, SLS, MJF and DMLS metal. Functional prototypes and …
Read more →Moulding & castingInjection molding
Plastic injection molding from China: rapid aluminum tooling in 14 days for 500–10,000 parts, production P20/H13…
Read more →Sheet metal & fabricationSheet metal
Precision sheet metal fabrication from Wuxi: 4 kW fiber laser cutting, Amada press brake bending (±0.1 mm), TIG/…
Read more →PifyCMaterials
PifyC's 50+ production-grade materials: aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, brass, copper, and engineering p…
Read more →Selection & propertiesMaterial selection for corrosion
Material selection for corrosion resistance: stainless steel grades, duplex, Monel, Inconel, Hastelloy, titanium…
Read more →Send a CAD file. Get an engineering-reviewed quote.
No minimum quantity, free DFM feedback from a senior manufacturing engineer, and an NDA signed before file review on request.