More Info / FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and general information:

Who uses Dougco Metal Finishing?

We serve a wide range of customers, our work ranges from aerospace to art installations, mass-produced consumer goods to one-off advanced prototypes. Artisan products to preparing parts for further processes. Some customers want to get an ideal surface for painting or for further manufacturing steps, others seek a particular aesthetic finish or clean-up from a manufacturing process. Our range of equipment and expertise allows us to fulfill many important steps in many production processes.

What are some frequent requests for different kinds of parts?

For examples from different kinds of manufacturing; Stamped metal parts can have a sharper edge protruding on one side that we can ease. Parts produced with fiber laser cutting can have rough or sharp edges that we can smooth, and both stamped or cut parts may be made from stock with an unfinished surface or a different texture than desired. Cast metal parts can have porosity and leaks that we can seal, or a stained or unfinished surface or flash to remove. CNC and machined parts can have tooling marks to remove or a different texture than desired, or it is cheaper and easier to smooth corners and edges with our process rather than with additional machining. Parts that have undergone various manufacturing steps can be dull or the surface might be blemished with corrosion or dirt or oil. We can make them shiny, clean and dry. (Or perhaps the parts are already shiny and the desired finish is matte!) Depending on material we can also add passivation or surface work-hardening to the finish.

Can you ensure consistent results between batches or over time?

Yes. Many customers have consistent parts that need our processes to deliver a consistent result. Typically we work an initial part or batch until it is how you want it, and from that study we will know enough to reliably replicate the result for you.

I have an advanced / prototype part; is Dougco Metal Finishing confidential and safe?

Very safe. We are located in California USA, you ship or deliver directly to us, parts do not leave our facility until being returned to you, and we treat parts as confidential by default. We do not offer customer tours of facilities so the only people with access to your parts are a small number of Dougco staff.

If your parts require special handling, we can normally accommodate and will be able to confirm this beforehand.

I only have a few parts I want finished, not a production run. Can you do a small batch?

Of course! We do small jobs as well as large. Most processes that we offer have a minimum cost to cover labor which gives best value in production runs, but even with a very small job we’re still often cheaper and with better results than attempting to finish parts in-house. That’s the purpose of being specialists after all.

How long does it take?

Parts are done in 3-5 business days after we receive them.
We also offer an expedite service for faster turnaround if necessary.

I’m an individual working on my personal project, not a business. Can I use your services?

Absolutely. As mentioned above we can do small jobs or sometimes just a single item, though more parts gives better per-part cost. If you know other hobbyists who could also benefit from similar surface finishing, we’re also open to working with a group to consolidate everyone’s parts into a batch to run together to lower everyone’s per-part cost. (Though this means that all parts receive the same process)

Can you do smoothing or surface finishing of 3D-printed plastic objects? (PLA, ABS, PET, etc)

Likely yes. Some of our surface finishing processes work for plastic. Filament-based FDM printers in particular produce a finish with layer lines that are sometimes too thick or undesirable. Our processes can produce a surface that is smooth to the touch and/or suitable for paint. Depending on the plastic and print settings, you can also obtain a smooth surface with the deeper filament structure remaining visible, allowing visible “grain” while uniform and smooth to the touch. Call us to discuss how to get best results.

Can you do surface finishing of 3D-printed metal objects?

Metal surfaces are our specialty!

Is there a limit to how big or small a part can be?

Depending on the process there is not a minimum size.
We can do parts with dimensions of several feet but shape becomes important at large sizes. Call us; we’re happy to discuss options.

Do you do electro-plating or chrome plating?

No. We don’t do plating of any kind. Some customers use us to prepare their parts surfaces for plating but we don’t do the actual plating.
For chrome plating, a local autobody shop will probably know somewhere that you can get that done.

I’m interested! What’s the next step?

Call us. We’ll ask about your parts and what you want, then we’ll give you an outline of options and what they cost. With so many factors unique to every job it is unfortunately not possible to offer an automated online quote. Being able to talk to you about your parts is the quickest and easiest way to determine the best approach to achieving your desired results.