Blueprints play a crucial role in guiding machining and finishing processes. Providing a complete blueprint empowers our dedicated team with the necessary details to deliver superior finished components swiftly and accurately.

We understand that not every machine shop is an expert in the particulars of our diverse finishing services, just as we may not be familiar with all the specifics of our customers’ machining processes. If you find yourself unsure about the factors that might impact our finishing services, we invite you to keep reading to gain a comprehensive understanding.

5 Metal Finishing Considerations to Include in Your Blueprint/Requests for Quotation

Here are five key elements to include in your blueprints and requests for quotation:

1. Fixturing locations
2. Coating thickness
3. Masking requirements
4. Surface finish requirements
5. Alloy specifications

1. Fixturing Locations

Certain parts, especially those with crucial cosmetic or functional specifications, demand meticulous consideration of fixturing locations to prevent any undesirable rack marks. Ideally, blueprints should identify locations where fixturing is permissible or specify areas where rack marks are not acceptable. This proactive approach prevents the need for rework and avoids delays that may arise from necessary adjustments, ensuring that your expectations for quality and timelines are met with precision.

2. Coating Thickness

Incorporating precise specifications for coating thickness ensures that we apply coatings within the required tolerances during the anodize and hardcoat processes. Providing coating thickness specs minimizes the risk of deviations from the desired finish and ensures that the end result will meet the necessary tolerances. 

3. Masking Requirements

Whether the aim is to safeguard threaded holes from coating buildup or preserve specific surface areas from finishing processes, having explicit masking instructions on the blueprint plays a pivotal role in averting costly errors and upholding the integrity of finished parts.

At Global Metal Finishing, we can adeptly manage all intricate masking requirements. As part of our commitment to accuracy, we often ask our customers for masking approval on complex components.

4. Surface Finish Requirements

The blueprint should include clear specifications regarding the desired surface finish, as this impacts some of our metal finishing processes. 

There are a number of ways we can produce a range of finishes including bead blasting, vapor honing, or by altering our steps during the anodizing process. When we know as much information as possible upfront about surface finish requirements, our team can tailor our procedures to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional outcome. 

5. Alloy Specifications

Material and alloy selection determines the appropriate finishing processes that are compatible with the desired finish. With comprehensive information on the material type, alloy, and temper, our team can adjust our procedures to the unique properties of the material as early as the quoting stage.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Blueprint

We don’t request comprehensive blueprints only to simplify processes on our end. The details provided in the ideal blueprint directly benefit our customers in the following ways:

Speedy Production

When blueprints include all the necessary details for our finishing processes, we can quickly initiate work on our customers’ parts. However, essential features like fixturing locations or masking call-outs may be missing. In such cases, we would promptly reach out to our customers for clarification. 

Blueprints that include all relevant details for the metal finishing process are invaluable. They not only facilitate a smooth workflow but also ensure that parts are processed correctly from the start, minimizing the need for adjustments, rework, and potential delays.

Less Hassle

Providing a comprehensive blueprint significantly reduces the likelihood of any follow-up questions from our end, minimizing the time spent on back-and-forth communication. Our goal is to make the entire process as seamless as possible for you, ensuring a hassle-free experience from quote to finished product.

Accurate, Timely Metal Finishing Services

Incorporating specific features and guidance into blueprints and RFQs is essential for producing desired results in a timely manner from our metal finishing services. It’s our goal to deliver parts that meet customers’ needs and specifications the first time and every time thereafter.

Our customers can trust us to deliver finishes that not only meet but exceed their expectations. To achieve this level of excellence, we actively seek as much information as possible. We value your collaboration as it allows our team to deliver high-quality finished products. Request a quote today for seamless and efficient finishing processes tailored to your requirements.