Will my parts have scratches or surface marks?

A machined part always has tool marks: they are a normal part of the process and don’t affect its function. What we don’t deliver are parts with dings, handling scratches, burrs or tool chatter.

What’s normal on a machined part

• Tool marks: Lines or a swirl pattern left by the cut, especially with the “As machined” finish.
• Transition lines: Small differences where two operations or two passes meet.
• Tone variations: Slight changes in sheen between faces machined in different operations.

All of this is acceptable as long as the part is within tolerance.

What we don’t deliver

• Dings, scratches or scuffs from handling.
• Burrs on the edges.
• Tool chatter marks.
• Dirty parts, or parts with chips or cutting oil.

If your part has cosmetic faces

• Call them out on your drawing. We check them against a reference sample agreed with you.
• Choose a finish that evens out the surface, such as bead blasting, brushing or polishing.
• If appearance matters, tell us before manufacturing. A cosmetic requirement that arrives later is treated as a change.

How we protect your parts

Parts are delivered clean. Steels get a light oil against corrosion. Packaging protects them against dings and scuffs in transit, with an individual bag or divider when the geometry calls for it.

For 3D printing

A printed part shows its layer lines and, where it had supports, rougher marks. If a face must be smooth, say so in your part’s notes and we orient the part so that face doesn’t get supports.

Tip: If you need a finer surface, choose a thinner layer under “Print quality” when configuring your part: from Standard (0.20 mm) to Optimal (0.16 mm), Fine (0.12 mm) or Extra fine (0.08 mm). The thinner the layer, the less visible the lines, but the part takes longer to print and costs more.