What is brushed metal finishing?
Brushed metal finishing applies an abrasive line pattern to accessible surfaces. Abrasive selection, the starting surface and processing direction influence the appearance. For matching assemblies, identify the direction on every visible face and use a common texture reference.
Key specifications
Process references and example callouts are identified below. CHIHENG confirms the accepted material, dimensions and treatment requirements in the part quotation.
| Parameter | Reference / what to specify |
|---|---|
| Materials | Stainless steel, aluminium and brass with suitable substrate-specific abrasives. |
| Texture / direction | Grain arrows on visible faces plus an approved texture reference. |
| Tolerance | Control material removal and edge condition on functional features. |
| Film thickness | Not applicable: brushing creates a mechanical texture. |
| Colour / roughness | Natural metal colour; specify functional texture independently of abrasive grit. |
| Part size | Review abrasive access, handling and grain continuity across the geometry. |
Technical references: ISO 21920-1:2021: surface-texture indication
Applications
Electronics
Front panels, covers and visible enclosure faces.
Industrial products
Stainless control panels and trim with aligned grain.
Custom hardware
Brass or aluminium parts assembled next to matching cosmetic components.
Working with CHIHENG
A direct conversation with our team, from your first drawing to delivery.
A reply within 24 hours
Send us your drawing and questions. Our team will reply within 24 hours and help you work out the next step.
An experienced engineering team
Talk through materials, tolerances and finishing with engineers who understand how your part will be made.
Machining equipment
We use our machining equipment and practical manufacturing experience to turn your drawings into finished parts.
Competitive worldwide shipping
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Process steps
- Identify visible faces, grain directions, sample and protected features.
- Clean and prepare the starting surface with suitable dedicated abrasives.
- Apply the directional texture consistently over the specified faces.
- Remove residues and inspect direction, cosmetic consistency and edges.
Brushed metal finishing vs Sandblasting
| Comparison point | Brushed metal finishing | Sandblasting |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern | Directional grain | Generally non-directional matte texture |
| Reference | Direction arrows and texture sample | Media specification and texture sample |
| Access | Mechanical contact with the face | Blast stream must reach the surface |
| Protection | Later coating is a separate requirement | Later coating is a separate requirement |
Getting the grain direction right
- Mark the brushing direction as the part will sit in the finished assembly.
- Send a sample for adjacent visible parts and show how the grain should line up.
- Include any roughness or appearance requirements; an abrasive grit number alone does not describe the finished surface.
FAQ
How do I show the brushing direction?
Use arrows or clear notes on the drawing for each visible face. Include how the grain should relate across adjacent faces or assembled parts. Show the installed orientation and any neighbouring cosmetic parts. A photograph of a loose component may not make the intended direction across an assembly clear.
Will brushing remove every surface mark?
Not necessarily. The starting surface and requested texture affect the result. Identify any cosmetic requirements and share a sample where appearance matters. The starting condition and depth of a mark affect how much material must be removed. A cosmetic requirement does not override dimensional limits on functional features.
Can brushing be followed by another treatment?
Include the full finish sequence in the enquiry so the material, texture and later treatment can be reviewed together. Use a representative sample for the complete finished sequence. An untreated brushed sample may not show the appearance after the specified later anodising or coating.
Does grit number determine the final Ra?
A grit designation describes the abrasive rather than a unique finished roughness. Substrate condition, tooling and processing pressure also affect the surface. If texture has a functional role, specify the required parameter and measurement conditions. Use a reference sample to communicate the appearance and grain, with direction arrows on the drawing.
Can brushed parts match across an assembly?
Matching needs the same material definition, visible-face reference and a clear installed orientation. Identify the adjacent parts and how their grain should align, then agree acceptable cosmetic variation. The starting surface also affects appearance, so include all mating components in the enquiry rather than expecting a finish name alone to ensure continuity.
