At Presto we take responsibility for all aspects of your project from submission of drawing to on time delivery of your components with a pristine finish.

We offer a range of finishes and the application of the product usually determines the choice of finish.

For visible parts where appearance is key aluminium lends itself to stylish finishes such as anodising. Durability is often a deciding factor particularly when parts are for outdoor use. When parts will not be visible and are for indoor use they can have a range of cost effective treatments such as Surtec 650, Alochrom or Irridite. Whatever your requirements we work with you to find the best solution for your component.

We have long established relationships with all our Finishing partners. They are the ‘best in the business’ within their particular expertise and work to the same high standards as we do.  We guarantee your CNC milled and turned aluminium machined parts will always be delivered to you with a pristine finish.

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    Anodising Aluminium

    Anodising can only be carried out on aluminium and it is the most frequently requested finish by our customers. It is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable corrosion-resistant anodic oxide finish and can be dyed in a variety of colours and finishes.

    Anodising aluminium is accomplished by immersing the aluminium into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current through the medium. A cathode is mounted to the inside of the anodising tank; the aluminium acts as an anode so that oxygen ions are released from the electrolyte to combine with the aluminium atoms at the surface of the aluminium part being anodised. In brief, aluminium  anodising is a matter of highly controlled oxidation which is an enhancement of a naturally occurring phenomenon.

    Benefits of Anodising include:

    Anodised Aluminium Panels

    Durability

    Most anodised products have a long life span so the finish needs to be durable. Anodising is a reacted finish that is integrated with the underlying aluminium for total bonding and unmatched adhesion. The anodised surface is very hard and as a result preserves and extends the life of the aluminium product. Anodised aluminium is resistant to corrosion and well suited to a wide range of applications.

    Colour Stability

    The sealing process used in anodising results in your anodised part looking factory new for years and is excellent for external use. Anodised surfaces provide good stability to ultraviolet rays, do not chip or peel and are easily replicated.

    Ease of Maintenance

    Scars and wear and tear from handling, installation, frequent cleaning and usage are virtually non-existent. It is generally sufficient to clean anodised surfaces with mild soap and water to maintain the original finish although a mild abrasive cleaner can be used for more stubborn stains.

    Aesthetics

    Anodising offers a wide variety of colour and texture alternatives and allows the aluminium to maintain its metallic appearance.

    Cost

    A low initial finishing cost combined with minimal maintenance costs makes anodising excellent long term value.

    Health and Safety

    As the anodising process is a reinforcement of a naturally occurring oxide process, it is non-hazardous and does not produce any harmful or dangerous by-products.

    Bead Blasting and Graining

    Bead Blasting

    Bead blasting is carried out in house and we offer dry or aqua blasting. Dry blasting is a process of removing surface deposits on metal by applying fine beads of media at high pressure using compressed air, whereas aqua blasting is the same process combined with water. It is a popular choice of finish with our customers as it gives a uniform finish and depending on the media used the texture can be varied.

    Graining / Brushing

    Graining / brushing is carried out in house and is the process of polishing ‘grit lines’ onto the surface that are uniform and directional in appearance. It is achieved by polishing the surface with an abrasive grit belt. The finish achieved will depend upon the coarseness of the grit used. Graining followed by anodising will result in a high quality finish commonly used on trims, badges and front panels.

    Paint Finishes

    Wet Paint

    Generally speaking wet painting is used where a durable high quality finish is required on visible surfaces that the end user comes into contact with. For example applications can range from machined front panels for high end audio equipment through to car bodywork. Finishes are wide and varied and range from high gloss through to matte, and there is also the ability to have soft feel rubberised and suede textures incorporated.

    Wet paint is commonly applied using a spray painting method, which involves utilising an air-pressurised spray gun. The air gun is made up of three main parts; the nozzle, paint basin and air compressor. Paint is mixed with compressed air and when the trigger is activated a fine spray is released. Usually a coating will be applied by hand, although the process can also be automated.

    Powder Coat

    Powder-coating also provides a very hard wearing and durable coating. It is ideal for products that are subject to intense handling or lower value products that do not require such a high quality finish. A multitude of coatings can be specified such as satin, gloss, metallic, iridescent and matte.

    Powder coat application is based on the principle of opposite electric charges being attracted to one another. Powder particles are electrostatically charged as a result of passing through a charged spray gun and are then attracted to an earthed component. The part is then thermally cured in an oven and the result is a high resistance finish.

    Text and Graphics

    Screen Printing

    Screen printing is used to print text and colour graphics onto parts for example control panels, nameplates for machines, serial and model numbers etc. It results in a durable print that cannot be scratched off easily and is resistant to corrosion and extremes of temperature and weather. It is generally used for demanding applications such as industrial environments.

    Anoprinting

    Anoprinting is achieved by double anodising a component. After the first colour has been anodised a resist is screen printed onto the surface. The part is then stripped and re anodised in a second colour. Finally the resist is removed leaving the anodised print. This is particularly suitable for components that have a lot of handling and results in a smooth surface as the anodising is in the material instead of sitting on top as with screen printing.

    CNC Engraving

    CNC Engraving is programmed from the CAD file and is usually carried out on the completed machined component. Our machines operate to very fine tolerances for text and graphics. CNC engraving is suitable for custom applications through to large scale industrial and commercial applications.

    Laser Engraving

    Laser engraving is a process where a high heat laser beam physically removes the surface of the material by causing it to vaporise and creates a cavity. If the metal has been pre-treated or coated, the laser will engrave away this top coating to reveal the metal finish below. Laser engraving can be used to customise or personalise parts and is particularly good for high wear parts.

    Laser Etching

    Laser etching is a process where a laser beam uses high heat to melt the surface of the material and the melted material expands and causes a raised mark. Laser etching can be done on anodised or bare aluminium.

    Laser Marking

    Laser marking uses a lower power beam than laser engraving and etching and leaves the surface material intact. It is achieved by moving a low powered beam across the surface which causes oxidation under the surface turning the material black. The precise and repeatable nature of lasers allow for fine detail marking on small components. Laser marking is used for identifying products for example bar codes, serial numbers and regulatory symbols.

    Tell us about your finishing requirements