Quoting Engine: Select and Add Multiple Part Finish Combinations in our Instant Quoting Engine℠

Do your parts require anodizing, chem-film, media blasting, or perhaps a combination of all three? No problem! Thanks to the Xometry Instant Quoting Engine℠ , quoting parts requiring multiple finish combinations has never been easier!

You can clearly define your complex finishing requirements right in our quoting interface! This ensures your requirements are clearly and concisely flowed down to our Xometry suppliers. Clearly defined requirements will reduce confusion and the frequency of back-and-forth correspondences. In this article, we will demonstrate how to use this feature and provide some valuable tips along the way!

Getting a quote started for parts with multiple finish combinations is super simple! Just follow these steps:

1. Start a new quote or open an existing quote from your account.
2. Open the 3D viewer by clicking on the Configure Part button near the part name.
3. Once your Process and Material are selected, select the first finish under the Finish drop-down menu.
4. Click the Add button to add more finishes as required.
5. You can remove a finish by clicking on the trashcan icon next to the selection.

That's it! Please note that due to the complexities and wide array of possibilities, parts containing multiple finish combinations may require a manual review to ensure your quote is as accurate as possible.

Common Finish Combinations

• Type II anodize + chem-film (chromate conversion coating)
• Type III hardcoat anodize + chem-film
• Bead blast + anodize (this provides a matte black finish with low reflectivity)
• Chem-film + powder coating
• Multiple metal platings
• Multiple types of mold finishes for injection molded parts

While selecting and specifying your finishes during the quoting process will help avoid confusion down the line, there are a few additional best practices and tips we recommend to ensure the best results:

• Many shops will defer to your part prints for detailed finishing instructions; please be sure to upload them along with your 3D files when starting your quote!
• Be sure your drawings include explicit and detailed instructions which call out the type of finish, any finishing specifications and standards to follow, and the location for each finish.
• Combining corresponding note flags with print detail views is a simple and effective way to clarify.
• Another effective method to clarify requirements is to include color-coded views of the part on your drawing with additional notes, as seen in the example below. Views like this are handy for parts with highly complex finishing and masking requirements.
• If you don't have a technical drawing, use the notes section of the quoting interface to provide as detailed information and instruction outlining your requirements as possible, or mock-up and upload a simple image demonstrating your needs similar to the example below.

1. See visual examples of our 15 most common CNC finishes in our CNC Metal Finishes eBook.
2. Visit our metal finishes photo gallery to see all our metal finishing options.
3. Go to our finishes page to learn about all the options available for different manufacturing processes.
4. Review our guide to Injection Molded Surface Finishes.