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Surface Preparation, Plating & Inspection
Compare mechanical preparation, plating and passivation around the substrate, finish standard, corrosion requirements and inspection plan.
Updated October 11, 2026 · 26 focused articles
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Bead Blasting Stainless Steel: A Uniform Finish That Does Not Create Rust
A Uniform Finish That Does Not Create Rust
Black Oxide on Stainless Steel: Activation, Color and Corrosion Reality
Activation, Color and Corrosion Reality
Blackened Steel Finishes: Oil, Wax and Sealer Options for Corrosion Control
Oil, Wax and Sealer Options for Corrosion Control
Bead Blasting Aluminum: Avoiding Smearing, Peening and Dimensional Change
Avoiding Smearing, Peening and Dimensional Change
How does passivation stop stainless steel from rusting early?
Read the focused guide for passivation stop stainless steel from rusting early.
Industrial Surface Finishing: Engineering Standards, Process Metallurgy, and Global Supply Chain Integration for Custom Parts
Engineering Standards, Process Metallurgy, and Global Supply Chain Integration for Custom Parts
Bead Blasting: Uniform Matte Finishes for Precision Machined Parts
Uniform Matte Finishes for Precision Machined Parts
Surface Finish Standards: Engineering Guidance for Custom Metal and Plastic Parts
Engineering Guidance for Custom Metal and Plastic Parts
How should you choose deburring and finishing processes for better parts?
Read the focused guide for how should you choose deburring and finishing processes for better parts.
CNC Surface Finish: Ra Values, Measurement and Finishing Choices
Ra Values, Measurement and Finishing Choices
5-Axis Tolerances and Surface Finish: What to Expect on Complex Surfaces
What to Expect on Complex Surfaces
How to Machine Press-Fit Holes: Tolerance, Surface Finish, and Assembly
Tolerance, Surface Finish, and Assembly
O-Ring Groove Design: Dimensions, Tolerances and Surface Finish
Dimensions, Tolerances and Surface Finish
How to Measure Surface Roughness: Ra vs Rz and Profilometer Methods
Ra vs Rz and Profilometer Methods
Black Oxide vs Phosphate Coating for Steel Parts
Read the focused guide for black oxide vs phosphate coating for steel parts.
Bead Blasting Media Types: Glass, Ceramic, Aluminum Oxide, and Steel Shot
Glass, Ceramic, Aluminum Oxide, and Steel Shot
Passivation Service: Specifying ASTM A967 and AMS 2700 Correctly
Specifying ASTM A967 and AMS 2700 Correctly
Citric vs Nitric Acid Passivation: Bath Choice, Cycle Time and Waste Handling
Bath Choice, Cycle Time and Waste Handling
Black Oxide Coating: Hot vs Cold Processing and What to Specify
Hot vs Cold Processing and What to Specify
Glass Bead Blasting: Producing a Uniform Matte Finish Ready for Coating
Producing a Uniform Matte Finish Ready for Coating
Bead Blasting vs Sandblasting: Media, Profile and Finish Compared
Media, Profile and Finish Compared
Stringent Surface Finish Requirements: Turning a Ra Callout Into a Process
Turning a Ra Callout Into a Process
Passivation Services: Restoring the Oxide Layer on Stainless Steel
Restoring the Oxide Layer on Stainless Steel
Knurling & Texturing: Designing Functional Surfaces for Prototyping and Custom Parts
Designing Functional Surfaces for Prototyping and Custom Parts
Color and Finish Matching Across Prototypes and Production: From Pantone to Texture Samples
From Pantone to Texture Samples
Industrial Surface Treatments: Selection, Fit and Inspection Guide
Selection, Fit and Inspection Guide
Before you release the project
- Define the function, environment and the question this batch must answer.
- Specify material grade, geometry, quantity, finish and the dimensions that control fit.
- Agree the inspection method and the evidence required to accept the parts.
- Record the drawing revision and approval before production begins.
Common planning questions
When should the finish be specified?
Before production. Film thickness, masking, substrate preparation and cosmetic requirements can change dimensions, conductivity and assembly fit.
Is one finish suitable for every alloy?
No. Substrate chemistry, condition and service environment influence preparation and compatibility. Specify the actual alloy and intended use.
Move from guidance to a reviewed project
Send the CAD model and drawing with material, quantity, finish and inspection requirements. Use the relevant service page to review the available manufacturing route.