Metal Finishing Guide: Plating, Polishing, Anodizing for Chinese Parts

Why Metal Finishing Matters

Raw machined parts rarely meet final product requirements. Finishing enhances corrosion resistance, wear properties, appearance, and surface conductivity.

In Chinese manufacturing, finishing is often the differentiator between a cheap-looking part and a professional-grade product.

Common Finishing Processes Comparison

Process | Best For | Cost (CNY/kg) | Lead Time

--- | --- | --- | ---

Electroplating (Zn/Ni/Cr) | Corrosion resistance | ¥5-30 | 2-5 days

Anodizing (Type II/III) | Aluminum parts | ¥8-25 | 3-7 days

Powder Coating | Large parts, outdoor | ¥3-15 | 1-3 days

Chrome Plating (Decorative) | Consumer products | ¥15-50 | 3-7 days

Passivation | Stainless steel | ¥2-8 | 1-2 days

Polishing (Mechanical) | Visible surfaces | ¥5-20 | 1-3 days

Choosing the Right Finish

1. For outdoor aluminum enclosures: Type III hard anodizing (40-60μm, ¥15-25/kg)

2. For indoor steel brackets: Yellow zinc plating (8-12μm, ¥5-10/kg)

3. For consumer product appearance: Brushed + clear anodizing (¥12-20/kg)

4. For medical/food parts: Electropolishing (¥5-15/piece)

Most Chinese finishers in Guangdong offer free sample testing — send one part for trial before committing to batch production.

Common Defects and Prevention

Defect: Pitting — caused by contaminated bath, fix by filtration

Defect: Poor adhesion — pre-treatment skipped, ensure degreasing

Defect: Color variation — bath temperature uneven, use temp-controlled tank

Defect: White rust on zinc plate — insufficient passivation, request trivalent passivation