What finishing options are suitable for consumer-facing device shells?
What Finishing Options Are Suitable for Consumer-Facing Device Shells?
Requirements for Consumer Device Shell Finishes
Consumer-facing device shells—such as those used in smart home products, handheld electronics, wearables, and audio equipment—require high-quality finishes that provide visual appeal, tactile comfort, and surface durability. In addition to aesthetics, these finishes must also resist wear, corrosion, fingerprints, and UV fading during daily use. Die cast parts made from zinc or aluminum are commonly used for such applications and support a wide range of premium finishing options.
Recommended Finishing Options
Powder Coating
Powder coating offers durable, uniform finishes with various colors and textures. It is ideal for mid- to high-volume production due to its efficient coverage and resistance to abrasion and chemicals.
Finishes: Matte, gloss, textured, metallic
Benefits: UV stability, scratch resistance, uniform color
Applications: Speaker housings, remote controls, charging docks
Anodizing (for Aluminum)
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that creates a protective oxide layer on aluminum. It offers a metallic look and can be dyed in various colors.
Finishes: Satin, matte, colored (black, gold, silver)
Benefits: Corrosion resistance, premium appearance, improved emissivity
Applications: Smartwatch bezels, control knobs, sensor housings
Painting
Painting provides high flexibility for achieving specific color tones, gloss levels, and visual effects. UV-resistant and soft-touch coatings can also be applied.
Finishes: Gloss, matte, metallic, soft-touch
Benefits: Full color customization, fine texture, layered branding
Applications: Consumer electronics, wearables, cosmetic device shells
Electroplating
Electroplating is suitable for achieving chrome, nickel, or satin metal finishes, especially for zinc die cast components. It enhances appearance while adding wear resistance.
Finishes: Chrome, satin nickel, black chrome
Benefits: Reflective appearance, corrosion protection, high-end aesthetic
Applications: Buttons, decorative rings, fashion tech enclosures
Polishing and Brushing
Mechanical finishes like tumbling, brushing, and polishing create visually appealing metal textures.
Finishes: Brushed metal, mirror polish
Benefits: Clean aesthetics, tactile quality, prep for secondary coating
Applications: Visible enclosures, accent surfaces, control panels
Combining Finishes for Brand Identity
Many brands use multi-layer finishing techniques to create signature visual effects, such as:
Polished aluminum with anodized color overlay
Powder-coated base with laser-etched logos
Electroplated buttons with matte-painted bodies
Neway supports complex finishing workflows integrated with CNC machining and assembly for full production compatibility.
Neway’s Finishing Capabilities for Consumer Products
Neway offers end-to-end finishing services for premium consumer shells:
Surface prep including polishing, brushing, and cleaning
Coatings, plating, and coloring customized to your brand aesthetic
Integrated post-processing and quality inspection workflows
