Surface Finishing

Ai Metal X offers a range of metal surface finishing services designed to enhance the appearance and durability of your custom sheet metal parts.

🔧 Deburring

Ai Metal X laser cut deburring service removes small imperfections, scratches, and burrs left over from the cutting process. While it won’t result in a perfectly cosmetic finish, it ensures parts are smooth and ready for use. This service is available for materials like 5052, 6061, 7075 aluminum, brass, copper, 304 and 316 stainless steel, and Grade 5 titanium. Please note that deburring is not available for mild or high carbon steels

🎨 Anodizing

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that adds a protective oxide layer to aluminum parts, enhancing corrosion and wear resistance. Ai Metal X offers Type II, Class II anodizing in five colors: clear, black, blue, gold, and red. This service is available for 5052, 6061, and 7075 aluminum alloys. Anodizing is non-conductive and adds approximately 0.0002”–0.0009” per side to the part’s surface thickness. It’s important to note that anodizing can scratch, and raw material will be visible below the surface.

🖌️ Powder Coating

Powder coating provides a durable and colorful finish to metal parts. Ai Metal X offers powder coating in seven colors and four finishes. This service is available for various materials, including aluminum and steel. Please note that powder coating adds approximately 0.004”–0.01” per side to the part’s surface thickness. The wrinkle black finish is fingerprint-resistant, while other colors may show fingerprints.

🛡️ Plating

Plating services, such as zinc and nickel plating, are available to increase rust prevention, wear resistance, and strength. These services are offered for select materials and can add approximately 0.0002” per side to the part’s surface thickness. It’s important to note that the plating is quite thin, and any aggressive treatment like sanding could penetrate through to the underlying material.

🧼 Tumbling

Tumbling is a process that reduces surface blemishes and handling scratches found in raw materials. This service is available for 11 materials and can add approximately 0.0004”–0.01” per side to the part’s surface thickness. It’s a cost-effective way to improve the appearance of parts before further finishing.

🖼️ Visual Examples

Ai Metal X provides visual examples of their finishing services on various materials, including aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, and titanium. These images showcase the differences between deburred, anodized, powder-coated, and unfinished parts, helping you set expectations for your project.

💡 Tips for Optimal Results

• Deburring: While it smooths out imperfections, it won’t eliminate all scratches or sharp edges.

• Anodizing: The finish may vary between batches and alloys.

• Powder Coating: Fingerprint resistance varies by color; consider the finish type when selecting.

• Plating: Light polishing is possible, but avoid aggressive sanding to preserve the finish.

• Tumbling: Ideal for parts with minor surface blemishes; it won’t correct deep imperfections.

To get started, you can send your design file to info@aimetalx.ca, select your desired material and finishing options, and receive pricing.

With competitive pricing and a focus on customer satisfaction, we ensure you get the best value for your investment. Our reliable distribution services keep your projects running smoothly with no delays.