Paint of Small parts on 440

[JDona]

Maybe not Tormach specific. Going to start making small parts on my new 440. All ALU.

What do you guys do with finished parts? Left mill-finish? Is it a problem if kept in mill-finish?

How about powder coating? Put them in a tumbler?

The actual use is indoor, and color-wise it is fine if left mill-finish. these parts mostly tools, fixtures, cover plates and such but they do go to end-users.

Any good recommended spray and call it a day?

I've seen some of these firearm finish spray like Cerakote that could be interesting.

Cost and time are the factors really.

Jim

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[74BurkeMVN]

I also make a lot of aluminum parts. I debur and wash everything, then it goes to anodize, which my empolyer pays for. I don't have a tumbler. Some of the parts get bead blasted, but that is only so the anodize finish ends up flat (not shiny).
I do have a shelf full of aluminum pieces made for jigs/fixtures and they all remain naked, mill finish.

[joshetect]

It depends on the desired end result. I often do a tumbled finish, which holds up decent. Like 74Burke I'll bead blast but only if I am anodizing, it will show scratches easily. I also like to use a scotchbrite belt on my belt grinder, gives a nice brushed finish

If I can I usually try and just get away with a debur and wash. Adding different finishes always take a bit to get the process tweaked just right, plus there are times when it needs to be redone or the part needs to be remade because of mistakes.

I have been wanting to try one of the Nampower brushes from BRM. That seems like it could be pretty handy

Abrasive Brushes, Abrasive Disc Brush Tools

[JDona]

Thanks to all for the reply.

I wanted to decide on a method and set up a small section or a booth for that and do all in-house for the cost and time considering it maybe re-done as well.

I believe all of these options can be done with not much initial setup cost, especially for small parts.

[Warren_3Deee]

I usually anodize or powder coat - so long as it doesn't affect the function or tolerances. For parts left w/ mill finish, I also use the aluminum buffing compound for odd shaped parts that can't be sanded easily. Caswell has a ton of options and I get all my supplies from them https://www.caswellplating.com/

[TomsTinyShop]

Thanks to all for the reply.

I wanted to decide on a method and set up a small section or a booth for that and do all in-house for the cost and time considering it maybe re-done as well.

I believe all of these options can be done with not much initial setup cost, especially for small parts.

I built a small paint booth for my shop. It consists of 2 standard furnace filters stacked on top of each other, a fiberglass filter followed by a pleated paper filter. This is connected to my home HRV to blow the air outside and bring in the fresh air. I have a built-in light and two doors on the side to help increase airflow. I have since built a second booth for work. I built that one from an IKEA kitchen cabinet placed on its side (much easier) I also replace the two side doors with a plexiglass going 3/4 down with just enough room to put your hands in.