When to Use an As-Machined Finish for Your Parts
Surface finish significantly affects a part’s performance, especially in engineering and manufacturing. One of the most commonly used finishes is the as-machined finish, which is the natural result of CNC machining processes like turning and milling.
At MakerVerse, we work with engineers across Germany who choose an as-machined finish for prototyping, testing, or even functional production parts. Here’s a practical overview to help you decide when it’s the right fit and when another surface finish might be better.
What Is an As-Machined Finish?
An as-machined finish refers to the surface condition of a part straight from the machine, with no additional polishing or post-processing. Depending on the material and machining parameters, you’ll often see tool marks and a rougher texture. This finish is ideal for:
- Fast-turnaround prototyping
- Cost-sensitive parts
- Non-visible components
- Applications where surface roughness is not critical
When an As-Machined Finish Is a Good Choice
1. Functional Prototypes and Internal Components
An as-machined finish is usually good enough for early-stage testing or parts that won’t be seen. It allows for faster production and cost savings, especially when surface appearance doesn’t matter.
2. Bonding and Coating Applications
The slightly rough texture of an as-machined finish can improve adhesion when applying adhesives, paint, or powder coatings. It gives the surface “grip,” reducing the need for extra surface prep in some cases.
Start Your Manufacturing Project with MakerVerse
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3. Lower Manufacturing Costs
As-machined parts are more affordable than polished or post-processed surfaces. Engineers often select this finish for budget-conscious projects or quick iterations during development.
When to Avoid an As-Machined Finish
Despite its practicality, an as-machined finish isn’t always the best choice. In these scenarios, other finishing options may offer better results:
1. High Friction or Tight Tolerances
A rough finish can increase wear when a part, such as a bearing, shaft, or gear, needs to move smoothly. Surface treatments or polishing reduce friction and improve performance over time.
2. Hygienic or Cleanroom Environments
Industries like food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing require smooth surfaces that can be easily sanitized. As-machined surfaces can trap particles and bacteria, making cleaning difficult and compromising hygiene standards.
3. Optical and Precision Components
Parts used in optics, cameras, sensors, or displays often need highly smooth surfaces to prevent light scattering and ensure measurement accuracy.
4. Sealing Applications
When parts come into contact with gaskets or seals, a low surface roughness is essential to prevent damaging soft materials like rubber and ensure leak-proof performance.
5. Aerospace, Automotive, and Medical Parts
Critical aerospace, automotive, or medical components must meet strict safety and performance criteria. These often include polished or fine-machined finishes to guarantee functionality and compliance.
6. Fluid Flow Components
For parts like valves, nozzles, or pumps, smoother surfaces improve flow dynamics and reduce energy loss, key factors in applications involving liquids or gases.
Choosing the Right Finish with MakerVerse
At MakerVerse, we make selecting the right surface finish for your part easy. Whether uploading a prototype design or ordering production parts, our platform offers guidance and multiple finish options—bead blasting, anodizing, polishing, and more.
📐 Need help deciding between finishes?
🎯 Want to balance function, cost, and appearance?
Our team of experts is here to help.
