Surface Texture
Creates a matte surface direction that can reduce the visual contrast of machined marks.
SANDBLASTING
Sandblasting Services for Custom Metal Parts
Sandblasting can be reviewed for custom metal parts requiring a more uniform matte texture, surface preparation or controlled appearance before downstream finishing.
Matte TextureSurface PreparationAppearance Review
Before: As-MachinedAfter: Sandblasted Matte
WHY SANDBLASTING
Why Use Sandblasting?
Sandblasting is reviewed when a part surface needs visual consistency, texture direction or preparation before another finishing route.
Appearance Consistency
May help repeated parts look more consistent when visible surfaces are reviewed together.
Surface Preparation
Can be reviewed as part of preparation before downstream surface finishing routes.
Downstream Finishing
May be combined with anodizing or coating review when the project requirements support that route.
BEFORE / AFTER
Sandblasted SurfaceBefore vs After
The visual change should be confirmed against the base material, machining marks, visible surfaces and approved appearance expectations.
BEFORE
As-Machined Surface
Visible machining marks and tool paths.
AFTER
Sandblasted Matte Surface
More uniform matte appearance with reduced mark visibility.
01
Texture
Review the desired fine, medium or coarser matte direction.
02
Visual Uniformity
Confirm visible areas, cosmetic boundaries and acceptance expectations.
03
Machining Mark Visibility
Original machining marks and edge condition can influence the final appearance.
Illustrative appearance comparison. Final texture depends on material, original surface condition, blasting setup and approved finish requirements.
MATERIAL REVIEW
Materials Commonly Reviewed
Material suitability should be confirmed against the drawing, part geometry, surface area, downstream finish and project requirements.
Aluminum
Strong FSD reference for bead blasting / sandblasting, anodizing review and CNC-machined visible parts.
Material GuideOther Materials Reviewed by Project
Stainless Steel
May be reviewed where visible or functional metal surfaces require project-specific texture review.
Material GuideCarbon Steel
May be reviewed with downstream coating, handling and corrosion-related project requirements.
Material GuideCopper / Brass
Can be reviewed project by project where appearance and surface sensitivity are important.
Material GuideZinc Alloy
May be reviewed where die cast appearance, polishing, painting, plating or coating routes are considered.
Material GuideAPPEARANCE DIRECTION
Choosing the Right Sandblasted Appearance
Fine matte, medium matte and coarser texture should be treated as appearance directions, not guaranteed fixed standards.
Final texture depends on base material, original surface condition, blasting media, process setup and approved appearance requirements.
01 / FINE
Fine Matte
Reviewed for subtle visible texture and lower visual roughness direction.
02 / MEDIUM
Medium Matte
Reviewed when a clearer matte appearance is needed across visible surfaces.
03 / COARSER
Coarser Texture
Reviewed when a stronger texture direction is acceptable for the part.
CNC INTEGRATION
Sandblasting After CNC Machining
CNC-machined parts should connect machining, deburring, sandblasting, downstream finishing and inspection into one controlled route.
01CNC MachiningMachine to drawing
02Deburring / CleaningPrepare the surface
03SandblastingCreate matte texture
04Optional Downstream FinishReview finishing route
05InspectionReview appearance
06Protected PackagingProtect finished surfaces
DOWNSTREAM FINISHING
Sandblasting Before Anodizing
For aluminum parts, sandblasting before anodizing can be reviewed when a matte anodized appearance is required.
01Machined Aluminum->02Sandblast->03Clean->04Anodize->05Appearance Review
Color, texture and surface consistency should still be confirmed against alloy, drawing requirements, original surface condition and approved samples.
DESIGN REVIEW
Design & Masking Considerations
Areas that should remain untreated should be identified during drawing / RFQ review rather than assumed during production.
Cosmetic Surfaces
Identify the visible surfaces where matte appearance expectations matter.
Critical Dimensions
Mark interfaces and dimensions that directly affect fit, assembly or inspection.
Threads & Holes
Threaded holes and precision holes should be reviewed before blasting is confirmed.
Mating / Sealing Surfaces
Functional contact surfaces should be separated from cosmetic treatment areas.
Masking Areas
Areas that should remain untreated should be shown on drawings or RFQ notes.
Edge Condition
Edges, burrs and transitions can influence both appearance and handling review.
FINISH SELECTION
Sandblasting vs Other Surface Finishes
Use this table for first-pass review only. Final finish selection depends on drawing, material, appearance and functional requirements.
| Finish | Main Purpose | Typical Appearance | Key Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandblasting | Matte texture or surface preparation | Uniform matte direction | Material, visible areas and areas to remain untreated |
| Brushing | Directional decorative surface | Linear grain appearance | Grain direction and cosmetic face orientation |
| Polishing | Smoother visual or decorative surface | Brighter or smoother surface direction | Geometry, edges and appearance acceptance |
| Anodizing | Aluminum appearance or protective surface treatment | Clear, black or project-specific color review | Alloy, pretreatment, color expectation and masking notes |
| Powder Coating | Color coating or surface coverage | Coated surface with selected color / texture | Coverage, holes, threads, masking and thickness-sensitive areas |
QUALITY REVIEW
Quality Review for Sandblasted Parts
Inspection should focus on visible appearance, protected functional areas and handling condition rather than unconfirmed process numbers.
Texture Consistency
Review whether treated surfaces follow the approved matte appearance direction.
Appearance
Check visible faces, local marks, handling condition and cosmetic boundaries.
Protected / Untreated Areas
Confirm areas marked to remain untreated are reviewed against RFQ notes.
Critical Features
Threads, holes, mating faces and precision interfaces should remain part of inspection planning.
Handling & Packaging
Finished surfaces should be handled and packaged to reduce avoidable cosmetic damage.
APPLICATION REVIEW
Typical Applications
These examples are drawn from FSD product and CNC references where visible machined metal surfaces, housings, enclosures and mounting parts are commonly reviewed.
CNC Aluminum Housings
Visible aluminum housings may need matte appearance review after machining.
Electronic Enclosures
Enclosure surfaces can be reviewed for appearance and downstream finishing.
Industrial Covers
Covers and panels may need controlled visible surface direction.
Mounting Components
Mounting faces, holes and treated areas should be separated clearly.
Visible Mechanical Parts
Mechanical parts with customer-facing surfaces may require appearance review.
SANDBLASTING FAQ
Sandblasting Service FAQs
What is sandblasting?
Sandblasting is a surface finishing process that uses abrasive blasting to change or prepare a part surface. For FSD projects, it can be reviewed for custom metal parts that need matte texture, appearance control or preparation before downstream finishing.
What does sandblasting do to a machined surface?
Sandblasting can reduce the visual prominence of machining marks and create a more uniform matte appearance. The final result depends on base material, original surface condition, blasting setup and approved appearance requirements.
Which materials can be sandblasted?
Aluminum is commonly reviewed for sandblasting in FSD surface finishing references. Stainless steel, carbon steel, copper or brass and zinc alloy parts may also be reviewed project by project based on material, geometry, surface requirements and downstream finishing needs.
Can aluminum parts be sandblasted before anodizing?
Yes, sandblasting before anodizing can be reviewed for aluminum parts when a matte anodized appearance is required. Final appearance depends on alloy, machining marks, blasting texture, cleaning, anodizing route and approved sample requirements.
Does sandblasting affect dimensions?
Sandblasting is a surface process, but critical dimensions, sharp edges, threads, holes, mating faces and sealing surfaces should still be identified during drawing review because surface treatment may affect functional areas.
Can threads and critical surfaces be protected during sandblasting?
Areas that should remain untreated should be identified during drawing or RFQ review. Threaded holes, sealing surfaces, precision interfaces and cosmetic boundaries should be clearly marked so protection or process planning can be reviewed.
How should I specify a sandblasted finish on a drawing?
Mark the surfaces that require sandblasting, the desired appearance direction, any areas to remain untreated, downstream finish requirements and whether appearance samples or acceptance criteria are needed.
What information should I provide for a sandblasting quote?
Provide drawings or 3D files, material, quantity, surface area, appearance requirement, areas to remain untreated, downstream finish requirements and application information.
Need a Controlled Matte Finish for Your Parts?
Send your drawing, material, surface area, appearance requirement, areas to remain untreated, downstream finish and quantity so the surface finishing route can be reviewed before quotation.
- Drawing
- Material
- Surface Area
- Appearance Requirement
- Areas to Remain Untreated
- Downstream Finish
- Quantity