Surface Texturing & Marking

Surface texturing and marking modify a part’s outer layer for grip, appearance, and identification using blasting, chemical etching, or laser processes.

Overview

Surface Texturing & Marking covers secondary operations that intentionally change a part’s surface to create a functional texture (matte, satin, anti-glare, higher friction) or durable identification (logos, serials, 2D codes). Common sub-processes include media blasting for uniform matte finishes, chemical etching for controlled micro-texture, and laser etching/engraving for high-contrast, precise marks.

Choose it when you need consistent cosmetic appearance, better handling/grip, glare reduction, or permanent traceability without changing the part’s base geometry. It’s typically applied after machining, molding, or forming, and scales well from prototypes to production.

Tradeoffs: it can change surface roughness and visual color, may reduce fatigue performance if overly aggressive, and can affect sealing surfaces, press fits, or electrical contact points. Masking and fixturing add cost, and depth/contrast depend strongly on material, prior finish, and required legibility.

Common Materials

  • Aluminum 6061
  • Stainless Steel 304
  • Stainless Steel 316
  • Titanium Grade 2
  • ABS
  • Polycarbonate

Tolerances

±0.002 in (critical dimensions masked/protected); texture/mark depth typically ±0.001–0.003 in

Applications

  • 2D data matrix and serial number marking on medical instruments
  • Anti-glare matte finish on camera and sensor housings
  • Grip texture on handheld tool enclosures
  • Cosmetic uniforming of machined aluminum panels
  • Branding/logo marking on consumer electronics housings
  • Pre-bond surface activation/texture for adhesive joints

When to Choose Surface Texturing & Marking

Choose surface texturing and marking when surface feel, appearance, glare control, or permanent identification matters more than preserving the as-machined surface. It fits low to high volumes because the same artwork/texture spec can be repeated with controlled setups. It works best when critical sealing, bearing, or fit surfaces can be masked or excluded from treatment.

vs Machined Surface Finishing

Choose surface texturing & marking when the goal is uniform appearance, grip, or non-directional texture rather than toolpath-driven lay. It’s also the practical route for durable part identification (logos, serials, 2D codes) without adding geometry changes to the CAD.

vs Polishing

Choose surface texturing & marking when you need matte, satin, anti-glare, or tactile surfaces instead of mirror-like reflectivity. It also supports readable markings on reflective metals where polishing can wash out contrast.

vs Coatings

Choose surface texturing & marking when you need surface character or identification without adding a film thickness that can interfere with fits, threads, or assembly stack-up. It’s also useful when coating adhesion or appearance depends on a controlled pre-texture.

vs Painting

Choose surface texturing & marking when you need permanent marks that won’t chip or wear like paint. Texturing can also deliver a consistent cosmetic finish without color matching and rework associated with paint runs or coverage variation.

vs Passivation

Choose surface texturing & marking when the requirement is cosmetic uniforming, grip, or traceability rather than corrosion-resistance chemical treatment. Marking can be applied after passivation to maintain ID without changing base corrosion performance when properly controlled.

Design Considerations

  • Call out texture with measurable specs (Ra/Rz range, gloss level, or reference standard) rather than subjective terms like “bead blast finish.”
  • Identify and dimension “no-texture/no-mark” zones for sealing faces, press fits, bearing bores, electrical contacts, and datum features; specify masking requirements.
  • For laser marks, specify content and quality (font height, line width, contrast, 2D code grade/size) and define acceptable mark depth to avoid stress risers.
  • Provide a flat or gently curved marking pad and keep marks away from sharp edges, corners, and high-stress fillets to prevent distortion and improve readability.
  • State whether cosmetic variation is acceptable across lots and between materials/heat lots; blasting and etching can shift hue and sheen.
  • Sequence requirements: indicate if texturing/marking must occur before or after anodize, coating, or heat treat to hit contrast and durability targets.