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Surface Finishings on Metal Parts

Tag Archive: Metal Shop

  1. Surface Finishings on Metal Parts

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    For a majority of metal fabrication jobs, the components are not complete until they receive finishing services. Surface finishings on metal parts play a critical role in how the material performs or how long the part is used. 

    Surface finishings serve multiple purposes, from enhancing the overall appearance and corrosion resistance to meeting industry standards or company requirements. 

    Finishings on metal parts that Tedco does in-house include deburring, a process that removes sharp edges, unwanted protrusions, or small imperfections called “burrs.” This step ensures safety, enhances aesthetics, and allows parts to fit together properly. 

    Tedco’s owner also uses a specialized machine to polish surfaces from semi-polished to mirrored.

    Weld cleaning is also a surface finish that uses a specialized device to remove heat tint, oxidation, discoloration, and heat scale left behind after welding.  

    Common Outside Service Surface Finishings 

    Tedco has built decades-long relationships with local finishing vendors to give us the best pricing on the market for their services, with the best turnaround times. There are quite a few options for surface finishings provided by our vendors.

    Surface Finishings on Metal Parts

    Anodizing

    Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. Aluminum is ideally suited to anodizing, although other nonferrous metals, such as magnesium and titanium, also can be anodized.

    Powder Coating

    The powder coating process is a dry finishing technique where a finely ground mixture of resin and pigment is electrostatically sprayed onto a grounded metal part. The part is then baked in an oven, melting the powder into a highly durable, continuous polymer coating that resists chipping and scratches.

    Surface Finishings on Metal Parts

    Zinc and Nickel Plating

    Plating is an electroplating process that deposits an alloy of roughly 12–16% nickel and 84–88% zinc onto a metal part. It serves as a sacrificial, highly corrosion-resistant coating. It replaces traditional zinc and environmentally hazardous cadmium in demanding automotive, aerospace, and defense applications.

    Surface Finishings on Metal Parts

    Passivation

    Passivation is a metal finishing process primarily used on stainless steel to enhance corrosion resistance. It involves a controlled acid treatment that removes surface contaminants and free iron. This allows a protective chromium oxide layer to form naturally. This passive layer protects the metal from rust and environmental damage.

    Bead Blasting

    Bead blasting is a surface finishing process that propels spherical media (like glass beads, ceramic, or metal) at high velocity using compressed air to clean or texture a part. It effectively removes burrs, rust, and surface imperfections while leaving a uniform, matte, or satin finish without altering the part’s dimensions.

    The Right Finish

    Selecting the correct surface finish depends on the type of material used, the performance requirements, aesthetic needs, and the environment. Choosing the wrong process could be a costly decision, and not all are created equal.

    If the components will be exposed to harsh environments- moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures the surface finishing must be corrosion resistant. This protects the base and extends the life of the part.  Processes like anodizing, plating, or powder coating are best.

    In high-use or friction applications, the finish must improve resistance to wear and improve longevity. Industries that this would apply to include aerospace, defense, and industrial equipment. 

    If appearances matter just as much as functionality, the finish must reflect quality and attention to detail. Especially if the component is customer-facing, finishing is an important step. 

    How Tedco Supports the Necessary Surface Finishings  

    At Tedco, surface finishes are carefully selected from the beginning of the estimation process. This treats them as a critical step in the fabrication process. Choosing the best fit from the start and working with vendors we have trusted for decades ensures consistency during production. Components are quality-checked to ensure the surface finishes meet functional and visual requirements. 

    In conclusion, surface finishings for metal parts are one of the last steps in production, but their impact is felt throughout the entire lifecycle of the component. The right finish can set your parts ahead of competitors and make sure they are real-world ready.

  2. Why Revisions are Normal in the Prototyping Process

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    Introducing a new product into the world may seem like a straightforward process, as described in our blog, “How to Get a Prototype Manufactured,” but there are many obstacles that could arise that lead to early revisions. Developing complex metal components with tight tolerances and unique applications is rarely a perfect design from the start. Refinements are expected; that’s why revisions are normal in the prototyping process.   

    During NPI, or new product introduction, thoughtful revisions in the beginning development stages help identify areas of improved performance, durability, and cost-saving measures. It’s important to pinpoint possible improvements early on to avoid premature production runs that would ultimately produce faulty parts to customer standards.

    Why revisions are normal in the prototyping process

    Why Revisions are Normal in the Prototyping Process 

    Even with a great engineered design, some insights are only visible once in the manufacturing space or in a real-world application. If the need for design modifications is caught before reaching real-time application, costs can be saved in additional production time. Possible causes for revisions could be:

    Component Optimization:

    Improvements that, when made, alter structural integrity, functionality, or overall performance for the better. 

    Manufacturability Improvements:

    Features may seem ideal on paper, but when brought into a manufacturing shop, they could be refined for faster turnaround times or cost-saving measures. Adjustments could be made to the type of welding callouts or requested hardware, all of which would not be recognized until speaking to a manufacturing professional. 

    Material Selection:

    Fabrication may suggest a cheaper metal or material thickness depending on the component’s real-world use. Some material may need testing, or more information to be provided about the type of elements the component will be up against after manufacturing. 

    Installation:

    Sometimes it is necessary to run a first article, or just one part. This ensures fittings are correct and, if assembled with other components, tests how the installation goes. This allows for more revisions to be made before running bulk productions.  

    Why Early Detection is Ideal 

    Early evaluation is crucial in identifying potential challenges or adjustments before production is full-scale. This helps avoid risks of overspending for modifications down the line. 

    Design refinements reduce variations during production, keeping the products consistent and uniform. It also contributes to improving the part’s long-term reliability, identifying which modifications could be made for precision quality and design. Most of the time, this time-consuming step alters the overall design and durability, helping with the transition between prototype to bulk production. 

    Collaboration is Key 

    Successful new product introduction (NPI) is often dependent on the communication between the design engineer and manufacturing programmer. With these two being responsible for ironing out the final touches, they must review the first article and collaborate to make sure the component functions accordingly.

     At Tedco, we work closely with customers during NPI processes to help refine designs, support manufacturability, and ensure that components transition smoothly from beginning to end.

  3. Key 2025 Manufacturing Trends that are Shaping 2026

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    As the industry moves into the new year, the key manufacturing trends that are shaping 2026 were very much relevant in 2025. As technologies advance and the sheet metal market fluctuates, the fundamentals of sheet metal fabrication remain unchanged. 

    Manufacturers across various industries last year experienced a demand for tighter timelines, evolving requirements, and an increased focus on reliability and quality execution. Manufacturing trends have reinforced the importance of collaboration and adaptability, highlighting the significance of strong partnerships with customers and vendors now more than ever.

    Key manufacturing trends that are shaping 2026

    Interconnected Design and Manufacturing 

    A key trend was close alignment between design and manufacturing. As project complexity increased, the margin of error decreased, leading to the importance of communication between engineering and production. Collaboration became essential to avoid risks and downstream issues. 

    Fabricators who engage with customers thoroughly from the beginning to review tolerances, materials, and manufacturability were best positioned to meet all project goals efficiently within a tighter timeline. 

     

    Continued Focus on Precision and Consistency 

    One of the most prominent trends of 2025 was the emphasis on quality and repeatability. Especially for a company like TEDCO, where we are used to bulk production and repetitive orders that drive profit most of the year.  Customers increasingly relied on suppliers who consistently held tolerances over hundreds of identical parts. 

    For precision fabricators, this reinforced the importance of robust machine practices, in-progress inspections, and a commitment to doing things right the first time. 

     

    Efficiency and Project Planning 

    Last year, efficiency and production timeline planning were main priorities. Customers valued fabricators who could balance speed with precision quality while maintaining transparency and predictability. 

    This environment emphasized the importance of clear communication, realistic expectations, and thoughtful planning- especially for complex components with demanding tolerances. 

     

    Quality as Long-Term Investments 

    Manufacturing trends in 2025 reflected a shift towards quality as a long-term investment rather than a final checkpoint, such as quality control. Strong quality systems, documentation, and traceability continue to play a key role in this upcoming year. It will support customer confidence and regulatory requirements. 

    Quality is now about customer trust, satisfaction, and long-term partnerships.

     

    The Year Ahead 

    At TEDCO, we are proud of the work we accomplished last year and are grateful for the customers and partnerships we have gained along the way. We look forward to continuing to support precision manufacturing with the same focus and commitment we have had for the last 38 years. Keeping on top of the key 2025 manufacturing trends that are shaping 2026.

     

    If you are interested in joining our TEDCO family as a valued customer and are ready to see what TEDCO has to offer your projects, email or request a quote today! >

  4. Holiday Planning and Looking Ahead to 2026

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    The holiday season presents numerous operational challenges and surprising opportunities. If you plan correctly, you will also be set up for a successful New Year ahead. A well-mitigated strategy will ensure fewer risks with supply chain holiday delays and enhance customer-vendor relationship satisfaction. Together we can navigate this busy time, setting the stage for growth in 2026. 

    We have developed an end-of-year checklist to help prepare ourselves for the holiday rush, and we find it to be a useful tool for vendors and customers alike. By focusing attention on key areas such as shipping logistics to employee appreciation, we will streamline operations, manage costs, and meet December 2025 deadlines.

    Holiday Shipping Logistics 

    First and foremost is proactive management of shipping logistics as the holiday season increases obstacles. There is immense strain on global supply chains, especially due to uncertainty regarding tariffs. More demand, potential weather disruptions, and holiday blackout dates must be anticipated and planned for accordingly. 

    It is crucial to get orders in as soon as possible and plan for extra time tacked onto deadlines to avoid such delays. Confirm with your shipping provider the dates they will be closed over the season, and regularly check their website for weather conflicts. 

    Contingency planning may include identifying alternative shipping providers and shipping routes, or hiring temporary trucking services to mitigate potential impact. 

    It is also important to monitor tariffs and trade policies. Global trade dynamics can directly impact company costs and lead times. Stay informed about current tariffs, trade agreements, and geopolitical developments that may affect your supply chain.

    Stocking Up on Essential Supplies 

    A surge in holiday orders can deplete company supplies, leading to potential delays if inventory is not accounted for. Checking on the mailroom and shipping supplies well before the holidays to ensure proper needs are met. It is even more helpful to analyze data from previous busy seasons to calculate how much inventory was used, and to anticipate the season ahead. 

    Order essential supplies in bulk to receive volume discounts on orders. This allows time to document inventory and organize the shipping department with the new product. 

    Consider purchasing festive packaging for the holiday season. Small touches can enhance customer experience and differentiate your brand from other competitors during the holiday rush. Explore options such as wrapping paper, gift boxes, and greeting cards.

    Show Appreciation for Employees and Customers

    The end of the year is the perfect time to acknowledge the contributions made by employees, friendly vendors, and loyal customers. Thoughtful gestures can strengthen relationships, loyalty, and boost morale for the upcoming start of the new year. Even a small token of gratitude can leave a lasting impression. Where the gift is a box of candy, new company t-shirts, or a coffee gift card, it will be greatly appreciated. Especially during the holiday season, when work days can get crazy and people are longing to spend quality time with their families.

    Consider adding a personal touch to your gifts. Add the company’s logo, get all the staff together for a holiday gift card photo, or, if you have the capabilities like Tedco does, make a gift with company services to demonstrate business abilities in a fun and free way. It serves as marketing, advertising, and appreciation.

    Plan for 2026

    While it is important to manage the current holiday season, it is also smart to start looking ahead to the upcoming year. For vendors like us, we will be reassuring our customers of our reliability, competitive pricing, and fast turnarounds. We hope the previous great customer service and precision quality will speak for itself in reminding clients why they chose Tedco. 

    During the month of December, customers will be evaluating supplier performances on the key metrics mentioned above. Everyone wants to make sure they have chosen the right business partners to ensure growth in the new year. 

     

    Using this list as your holiday season guide can help you close out 2025 while preparing for the year ahead. To find the supplier you need to wrap this year up and profit in 2026, contact Tedco to discuss projected plans today! >