Even when machining meets precision requirements and high-quality tools are used to achieve a perfect finish, surface treatment issues can still result in poor product appearance. This is particularly problematic for consumer brands with high aesthetic standards.
Many clients who outsource machining process choose to bring surface treatment processes back to their own countries. The reason is simple: surface treatment is typically the final step in the manufacturing process. If this step is botched, all the preceding high-quality machining efforts are rendered useless. Managing surface treatment quality is a significant undertaking.
We recently handled a project for a consumer electronics product where the appearance of the product was critical. The material was aluminum, and after machining, it required several surface treatments: manual cleaning, polishing, tumbling finishing, sandblasting, and anodizing.
Since the more steps there are in surface treatment, the higher the risk of minor nicks and dents during handling, it’s crucial to establish thorough workpiece protection processes. This includes selecting appropriate turnover containers and ensuring proper training for personnel involved in different stages.
Fixtures are another key factor. For products with high aesthetic requirements, each stage of treatment necessitates custom-designed fixtures. Whether it’s for anodizing, tumbling finishing, or manual polishing, standard fixtures simply won’t suffice. Custom fixtures help prevent damage during clamping and improve overall product quality.
Another potential issue is the quality of the aluminum material itself, which greatly influences the anodizing outcome. Variations in material batches and issues with head and tail materials can lead to significant color discrepancies. If not carefully managed, these issues can become apparent only after the parts are returned from the anodizing plant.
Therefore, we recommend that clients with high surface appearance standards pay close attention to the following points:
1. Pre-Production Communication: Communicate thoroughly with the supplier and establish clear appearance standards, such as providing color samples or Pantone color matching, to ensure the supplier understands the expectations.
2. Material Quality Consistency: Ensure consistent material quality to prevent variations in surface treatment results.
3. Selecting High-Quality Suppliers: Choose suppliers with strong quality management capabilities. The more steps involved in surface treatment, the higher the standards required for the supplier’s onsite management.
If these points are not carefully managed, there is a significant risk of poor surface treatment and product appearance.
Alternatively, entrust the details of machining and surface treatment to a professional shop like Mastro Machine Shop.
Kenny C
2024-07-02
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