Machined Aluminum
Anodizing is an electrochemical process where a very thin portion of the surface of the metal is converted into a protecting coating such as aluminum oxide in the case of aluminum metal. Since this is quite different from a painted or powder coated surface any ‘features’ in the surface will be translated to the anodized finish. Anodizing will not fill in the gaps and micro-profile on the surface of the metal. Machining marks (seen above) will be still visible after anodizing.
Pre-anodized, Tumbled Finish
To remove the machine marks and create a smooth surface for anodizing, vibratory tumbling with a Plastic Tumbling Media was used on this part. The features of this part required a media that will leave a smooth finish across the large, flat surface area as well as all the way into the corners. A Plastic Cone proved to be the ideal solution.
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