Yes. Raw parts may arrive with scratches, fingerprints, smudges, carbon scoring, or other minor surface marks from cutting, machining, handling, and shipping. We do our best to keep your parts looking great throughout production, but raw parts should not be expected to have a cosmetic finish.
Scratches are especially common on the bottom side of sheet metal parts where the material contacts the laser bed. Thick aluminum (over .250″) may also have a slight burr along the bottom edge.
If the final appearance of your parts is important, we offer several secondary processes that can help.
There will inevitably be scratches left on the surface of your part after the machining process, especially on the bottom side that contacts the laser bed. Thick aluminum (>.250″) may have a slight burr on the bottom edge. If you want to minimize the effect the scratches will have on the final look of your part, select linear deburring or tumbling before checkout if your parts are eligible.
Reduce scratches with deburring or tumbling
Linear deburring and ceramic tumbling can remove burrs, dross, and many of the scratches left behind during manufacturing.
Linear deburring leaves a brushed appearance and may slightly round the edges of your parts. Tumbling provides edge breaking, cleans up many surface scratches, and can leave parts with a slightly antiqued appearance.
Keep in mind that deburring and tumbling are cleanup processes, not cosmetic finishing processes. Some surface imperfections will remain. If you need a specific cosmetic finish, such as a consistent brushed grain, plan for additional finishing after receiving your parts.
Part size, material, and thickness restrictions apply. Check our Part Size Limits for Processing to see if your parts are eligible.
Cover surface imperfections with powder coating
If you want a finished surface that helps hide scratches and protects your parts from wear, powder coating is a better option.
Powder coating provides a durable, consistent finish and will cover many of the minor surface imperfections you may see on raw parts.
Fingerprints and smudges can happen while parts are handled during production, packing, shipping, and after you unpack them.
If fingerprints are a concern, especially if you’re preparing your parts for spray painting, wear nitrile, latex, or similar gloves while handling them.
For cleaning and polishing, we’ve had good results with:
- Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish for aluminum and brass
- Bar Keepers Friend Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish for stainless steel
When using Mothers Mag Polish, don’t be alarmed if the polish turns black. That’s oxidation being removed from the material. Wipe the polish away to reveal the cleaned surface.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear appropriate gloves when using cleaning or polishing products.
What should I expect from raw parts?
Minor scratches, fingerprints, smudges, carbon scoring, and other handling or machining marks are normal on raw parts. If appearance matters for your application, consider adding deburring, tumbling, or powder coating when available.
Have questions about the surface condition of your parts or which finishing option is right for your project? Reach out to our Support team.