Gripper contact surfaces, linear guide supports, and equipment housings have different finishing needs. BatchMach Precision reviews wear, corrosion protection, electrical contact, and assembly clearances, incorporating coating allowances and masking requirements into the machining plan.
As Machined
Suits internal mounts, test fixtures, and prototypes that need no additional protection or cosmetic treatment. Parts are deburred and machined to the specified roughness, retaining acceptable tool marks to avoid unnecessary finishing costs.
Anodizing
Improves corrosion resistance and provides a consistent appearance on aluminum gripper bases, adapter plates, and sensor brackets. Dowel holes, locating registers, and grounding points need defined dimensional or masking requirements to prevent tight fits or impaired electrical contact.
Hard Anodizing
Used on aluminum guides, sliding components, and tooling parts requiring greater surface wear resistance. BatchMach Precision accounts for coating buildup and final roughness before machining. Sliding applications also require consideration of the mating material and lubrication conditions.
Electroless Nickel Plating
Provides corrosion and wear protection for steel or aluminum connectors, fixtures, and complex components. Plating changes the dimensions of bores, slots, and outside diameters, so precision features need machining allowances based on the specified thickness.
Black Oxide
Commonly used on steel clamps, tool holders, and connecting parts for a black appearance and reduced glare. Dimensional buildup is minimal, but rust protection generally depends on supplementary oil or sealant. Black oxide alone is unsuitable for demanding wet or frequent-washdown conditions.
Zinc Plating
Helps protect steel brackets, stops, and general connecting hardware from rust. Threads and locating features require allowances for plating thickness. For high-strength steel, hydrogen embrittlement risks and treatment requirements must be addressed during process review.
Passivation
Removes free iron contamination from stainless steel fittings, valve mounts, and components used in washdown areas, helping maintain corrosion resistance. Tool marks, scratches, and burrs need separate attention because passivation does not replace mechanical finishing.
Bead Blasting
Creates a uniform matte texture on exposed covers, housings, and brackets, reducing visible tool marks and glare. Sealing surfaces, bearing bores, and locating faces require protection where specified. Bead blasting alone does not provide a corrosion-resistant coating.
Powder Coating
Adds color and surface protection to equipment covers, guards, and brackets. Coating buildup requires planned masking of threads, mounting datums, and grounding points to avoid rework during installation.
Laser Marking
Adds part numbers, revisions, or installation directions to fixtures, adapter plates, and replaceable tooling for assembly identification and maintenance. Content, location, and readability follow customer requirements, with critical functional surfaces kept clear.
Include the finish specification, coating thickness, and post-finishing acceptance dimensions with your drawings. BatchMach Precision reviews machining and finishing together so parts can be delivered to their final-use requirements.