Specifying surface finishing in a machining inquiry

Provide the specified requirements

Send the full drawing note, specification number and revision for any required finish, together with relevant customer documents. If the finish is undecided, describe the application, contact conditions and appearance requirements for discussion.

List alternative finishing options separately if you need quotations for more than one approach.

Mark the areas and acceptance conditions

• Surfaces to be treated and areas that must be masked or left untreated.
• Threads, mating surfaces and other areas requiring special review.
• Colour, gloss and acceptable appearance, with a physical reference sample where available.
• When dimensions and appearance will be inspected, and how they will be judged.
• Required certificates, inspection records or special packaging.

Review machining and finishing together

For an integrated order, include finishing conditions in the initial process discussion. Confirm the drawing, treatment scope, inspection requirements and packaging before placing the order.

Where appearance or acceptance conditions are unresolved, discuss a sample approval arrangement before proceeding with subsequent work.