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Custom Masking and Selective Metal Finishing

What is Custom Masking?

For a great number of parts we process at AOTCO our clients require different surface finishing results on different areas of the finished part. Functionally the need is to “selectively plate” or “selectively finish” the piece, where we customize which finish is applied to which areas of the part.

 

A labor-intensive manual undertaking, selective plating is a process where one metal finish is masked and protected while another portion of the part is processed with one more of our surface finishing services.

 

Even though a variety of techniques can be employed, selective finishing is frequently referred to as “Custom Masking” in the trade. Whether we are using plugs, caps, tapes, lacquers or other tools of the trade AOTCO is renowned for the skill and capabilities of our highly trained and experienced masking technicians.

 

The Right Masking and Metal Finishing Partner Makes a Difference

In the vast majority of cases working with a finishing partner is the final step before you send the finished part to your own client upstream.

 

Just as you wouldn’t switch to a cheap pair of sneakers after running the first 26 miles of a marathon, you want your project to finish strong by working with a partner who can take even your most complicated work and get it right at the finish.

 

 

AOTCO’s Masking, Selective Plating and Finishing Expertise

With members who have been masking parts for more than 40 years, our selective finishing team achieves incredibly detailed and precise masking for our clients. This team successfully tackles even the most complicated and challenging masking geographies with both repeatability and high yield.

 

Many times clients come to us after other providers have declined to quote for a critical but complicated part. If it can be done, AOTCO will make it happen for you.

 

Masking Jobs and Expectation Setting

Depending on the complexity required – multiple masks, unique configurations, intricate geographies, multi-finishing types, and so on – custom masking jobs naturally result in an increased turnaround time.

 

Having said that, we can often adjust our own work schedule to accommodate an urgent request. The key thing is to communicate with us about your timeline so we can set expectations for all concerned.

 

Continuing with the theme of communication, we consistently find that the jobs that get completed the fastest are those where the client (you!) has included upfront all the information our team requires to understand your needs.

 

Here is a list of things that you can do to help us to help you get it done as quickly and smoothly as possible:

  • Send detailed drawings, ideally color-coded
  • Include a full size print out of the drawing in the same box alongside the parts you send to us
  • If the part has previously been run, if possible include a finished example so the team will know what success looks like
  • Make sure your designer has thought about things such as how high up a side wall the finishing (or the masking) should go, or whether the interior threads should be plated or not.

 

Finally, recognize that complicated masking often involves a back-and-forth communication. This is because no one want to see re-works and AOTCO always wants to get it right for you the first time.

 

If you have a complicated part, or if other providers have declined to quote for you, please give us a call. We love a challenge and know you’ll be impressed with the results.

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Resources

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Services & Capabilities

Electroplating
Anodizing
Passivation
Plating Substrates
Pre- & Post-Process Treatments
Dedicated Outsourced Finishing
electroplating-1

Electroplating

Electroplating

Electroplating is a process by which one metal is deposited onto a base metal (substrate). These deposited metals offer a variety of benefits including thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance and more. AOTCO electroplates a wide variety of both standard and exotic metals.

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IMG_3850-2-1

Anodizing

Anodizing

Sometimes called a “conversion coating” Anodizing is an electrolytic process in which an oxide (anodic) layer is chemically built on the surface of the substrate material, providing anti-corrosion and other benefits. AOTCO offers, Type I, Type 2, Type 3 and Titanium anodizing services.

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Meal-Finishing-AOTCO-Service

Passivation

Passivation

Passivation is a term for a variety if processes that make a metal (most commonly stainless steel) or other substance unreactive, or passive, by altering the surface layer or coating the surface with a thin inert layer. AOTCO performs both citric and black oxide passivation techniques to a range of specifications.

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Beryllium

Plating Substrates

Plating Substrates

AOTCO plates on a wide variety of Common, Exotic and Non-Metallic substrates, bringing exceptional expertise to magnesium, titanium, beryllium, BeCu, TeCu, tungsten and more. In some cases we pass as high as 450 degrees celsius, allowing for high temperature soldering, brazing, or post machining operations after plating.

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Laser-Engraving-AOTCO-Service

Pre- & Post-Process Treatments

Pre- & Post-Process Treatments

Pre-Process: In addition to offering both mechanical & chemical cleaning options, AOTCO specializes in creating solutions for complicated, difficult and tight-tolerance masking challenges. Post-Process: For clients with specialized needs AOTCO offers laser marking and engraving options, including color change caused by chemical or molecular changes, charring, foaming, melting, ablation, and more.

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captive-plating-AOTCO-Service

Dedicated Outsourced Finishing

Dedicated Outsourced Finishing

Part of our cornerstone goal of building long-term, collaborative & solution-oriented partnerships, AOTCO will devote reserved physical and human resource capacity for our clients with long-term finishing and deadline requirements. For these partnerships our commitment is that AOTCO manages the process, while YOU control the results.

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