How to Select a Surface Finish for Metal Parts
Select and specify finishes for cast and machined parts using material compatibility, service conditions, functional requirements and appearance criteria.
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Material & process
Die Casting Alloy Selection
Explore aluminum, zinc, magnesium and copper alloy die casting. Review the material specification, part geometry and production route together.
Materials in context
Casting Alloy Families
Explore four material families, then compare the grade, part requirements and production route.
Weight & structural integration
Aluminum Die Casting
Aluminum die casting for housings, covers and integrated components, with alloy, machining and finish selected for the part requirements.
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Fine detail & decorative finishes
Zinc Die Casting
Zinc die casting for detailed housings, mechanisms and hardware, with service temperature, loading, mass and decorative finish reviewed together.
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Lightweight thin-wall design
Magnesium Die Casting
Magnesium die casting for weight-sensitive components, with alloy, stiffness, corrosion protection and production requirements assessed together.
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Application-specific performance
Copper Alloy Die Casting
Copper alloy die casting based on the exact grade, component function and process requirements, including tooling, machining and inspection.
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Compare your options
Alloy Selection at a Glance
Start with what the finished component must do. These reference grades introduce the detailed material pages; they do not represent every alloy in a family.
Material familyReference gradeSelection focusConfirm for your part
Reference gradeA380
Selection focus
Housings, structural integration and weight-sensitive components.
Confirm for your part
Finish expectations, leakage requirements and approval of any grade substitution.
Reference gradeZamak 3
Selection focus
Detailed features, compact mechanisms and decorative surfaces.
Confirm for your part
Part mass, sustained loading, service temperature and coating interfaces.
Reference gradeAZ91D
Selection focus
Components where weight reduction is a design priority.
Confirm for your part
Stiffness, corrosion protection, contact with other materials and production configuration.
Reference gradeC85800 cast brass
Selection focus
Applications selected around the function of a specific copper alloy.
Confirm for your part
Grade-specific conductivity, wear, tooling and process compatibility.
A reference grade is a starting point for selection, not a stock or production commitment. Confirm the exact specification, manufacturing condition and acceptance requirements. Published property values and their test conditions are explained on each material page.
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Continue your project review
Check the Part Requirements
Once you have a material direction, review its fit with the geometry, precision and performance required for your component.
Size & Weight Limits
Check alloy-specific weight references, part envelope, projected area and machine configuration.
Review requirements →Tolerances & Quality
Separate as-cast, sized and machined features, then define datums and inspection requirements.
Review requirements →Specialized Capabilities
Review thin walls, complex geometry and pressure-tight requirements for the selected alloy.
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Material questions
Alloy Selection FAQs
Can I submit a drawing before choosing an alloy?
Yes. Describe the component function, target weight, loads, temperature, environment, finish and expected quantities. These requirements provide a common basis for reviewing material and process options.
Can A380 and ADC12 be substituted directly?
A380 and ADC12 have distinct specifications. Compare the governing standards, composition limits and required properties, then approve the substitution against the drawing and project requirements.
Review aluminum alloy requirements →How does the finish affect alloy selection?
Review the substrate and coating together, including appearance, corrosion exposure, coating thickness and protected interfaces. Approve representative samples where appearance matters; the same treatment can produce different results on different alloys.
Explore surface finishing →Can one alloy’s capacity or tolerance range be used for another?
Weight ranges and feature tolerances depend on the selected alloy, geometry, tooling and delivery state. Aluminum or zinc references do not establish magnesium or copper alloy capacity. Confirm the requirements for the actual component.
Review size and weight references →What Drives Die Casting Cost? A Total-Cost Review
A practical guide to tooling, material, geometry, process, machining, finishing, inspection, assembly, and change risks that shape total die casting cost.
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Material & project review
Need Help Selecting an Alloy?
Send your drawing with a specified grade or describe the operating requirements so material options can be reviewed on the same basis.
Already have a grade?
Provide the alloy designation and governing standard, drawing revision, quantity and finish. Identify required material records and whether alternative grades may be proposed.
Still comparing materials?
Describe the intended use, target weight, loads, service temperature and environment. Include mating materials, critical interfaces, finish expectations and batch or annual volume.
Review My Alloy Selection →
Each accepted RFQ receives a reference number. Engineering reviews the requirements and provides clarification questions, next steps or a quotation. Files are stored privately.