Material Selection Guide: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium Alloy Comparison
Compare aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium for CNC machining. Analyze strength, weight, cost
16 precision surface treatments, completed in one stop with machining








Surface treatment improves the appearance, corrosion resistance, wear performance and dimensional stability of machined parts. Match a process by substrate below, and see full specifications on each treatment page.
We provide one-stop service from CNC machining to surface treatment: anodizing, electroplating, electroless nickel, painting, bead blasting, polishing and passivation are all completed in-house, ensuring controllable lead times and traceable quality. Surface finishing not only improves appearance but also significantly enhances corrosion resistance, wear resistance and insulation.
All treatments can be quoted together with machining, with a standard lead time of 2-5 business days. Thickness, adhesion and salt-spray test reports are available on request.

Start with your main requirement, then match the process. Click any entry to see full specifications in the treatments overview below.
Plating and chemical conversion coatings provide long-term rust protection for steel, aluminum and stainless steel parts in humid and chemical environments.
5 processes View processesAnodizing (Type III) and chrome plating significantly increase surface hardness for guide faces, friction pairs and high-load assembly surfaces.
3 processes View processesMulti-color anodizing, painting and PVD coating deliver brand colors, premium texture and consistent appearance quality.
5 processes View processesSilk screening and laser engraving provide part numbers, logos and batch traceability, plus insulation and conductivity functions.
2 processes View processesExplore our comprehensive range of post-machining surface finishing services.

Aluminum Type II anodizing in 50+ colors, decorative and corrosion resistant.
| Color | Clear, Black, Gold, Red, Blue |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Aluminum, Titanium |
| Thickness | 5-25 μm |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | About 3 business days |

Aluminum Type III anodizing, thick wear-resistant insulating layer.
| Color | Gray, Black |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Aluminum |
| Thickness | 25-150 μm (Type III) |
| Price | $$$ |
| Lead Time | About 5 business days |
Surface Treatment
Aluminum chromate conversion coating, corrosion resistant and conductive.
| Color | Gold, Clear |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Aluminum |
| Thickness | 0.5-3 μm |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | About 2 business days |

Electroless nickel, uniform deposit, corrosion and wear resistant.
| Color | Silver |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Steel, Copper, Aluminum |
| Thickness | 5-25 μm |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | About 4 business days |

Zinc plating for steel, clear/yellow/black passivation, cost effective.
| Color | Silver, Yellow, Black |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Steel, Iron |
| Thickness | 5-25 μm |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | About 3 business days |

Chrome plating, decorative and hard, boosts hardness and appearance.
| Color | Silver (bright) |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Steel, Brass, Copper |
| Thickness | 0.25-1 μm |
| Price | $$$ |
| Lead Time | About 5 business days |

Stainless steel passivation removes free iron, ASTM A967 compliant.
| Color | — |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Thickness | — |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | About 2 business days |

Powder coating, durable UV and chemical resistant, rich colors.
| Color | Various (RAL/Pantone) |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | All metals |
| Thickness | 60-120 μm |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | About 4 business days |
Surface Treatment
Wet painting with custom colors, epoxy/polyurethane/enamel systems.
| Color | Various (RAL/Pantone) |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | All metals and plastics |
| Thickness | 20-35 μm |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | About 4 business days |
Surface Treatment
Bead blasting for uniform matte finish, removes marks and burrs.
| Color | Matte Silver |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | All metals |
| Thickness | — |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | About 2 business days |

Polishing to mirror or near-mirror finish, refined and clean.
| Color | Mirror finish |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | All metals |
| Thickness | Ra 0.2-0.8 μm |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | About 3 business days |
Surface Treatment
Brushing for consistent straight grain, premium satin look.
| Color | Satin finish |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | All metals |
| Thickness | — |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | About 2 business days |

Silk screening on plastic/metal, clear durable single or multi-color.
| Color | Single / multi colour (Pantone) |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | ABS, PC, PMMA, PET and other plastics |
| Thickness | 5-20 μm |
| Price | $ |
| Lead Time | About 2 business days |

Laser engraving, non-contact permanent marks, precise and traceable.
| Color | Light grey / dark (depends on material) |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | ABS, PC, POM, PEEK, Nylon |
| Thickness | 0.05-0.5 mm |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | About 2 business days |

Vacuum metallizing for metallic look, dense and wear resistant.
| Color | Silver, gold, chrome |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | ABS, PC, PMMA |
| Thickness | 0.5-2 μm |
| Price | $$$ |
| Lead Time | About 4 business days |

Plastic painting hides base color, matte/gloss, brand-color custom.
| Color | Various colours (matte / gloss) |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | ABS, PC, PMMA, PA and other plastics |
| Thickness | 20-40 μm |
| Price | $$ |
| Lead Time | About 3 business days |
Not sure which treatment to choose? Select your primary requirement below and we will recommend the most suitable option.
For outdoor, humid, chemical and marine environments; prevents rust and pitting and extends service life.
For reciprocating motion, guide faces and high-friction assembly surfaces requiring higher surface hardness.
For consumer electronics and visible surfaces requiring consistent color, texture and batch stability.
For applications requiring part numbers, logos or batch traceability, with durable or decorative marking.
Six steps from selection to shipping ensure stable, controllable surface quality on every part.
Choose your desired surface finish and color when requesting your quote or placing your order.
Parts are machined to final dimensions, accounting for any coating thickness requirements.
Cleaning, degreasing, and surface preparation ensure optimal finish adhesion and quality.
Anodizing, plating, painting, or other specified finish is applied by certified partners.
Thickness, adhesion, and appearance are verified. Salt spray, humidity, and other tests available.
Finished parts are carefully packaged to protect the surface and shipped globally.
Real CNC projects showing how surface treatment performs across industries and processes.
The most frequently asked questions about process selection, compatible materials, film thickness and lead time.
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Upload your drawings for a free DFM review and surface treatment recommendation. Our engineers reply with the right process, material and quote within 12 hours.
Send your STEP / DWG / PDF drawing and get a detailed quote with free DFM analysis and process recommendations within 2 hours. No minimum order — from 1 piece.