In the previous article, we gained a general understanding of the basic applications of aluminium surface brushing and some simple processing principles. In this article, we will continue to explore the details of aluminium surface brushing in greater depth. A Detailed Official Website Introduction
Common Types of Brushing Machines
A brushing machine is a piece of equipment used for applying a brushed finish to the surface of aluminium and other metals. Depending on the processing method, operating environment, and desired texture effect, brushing machines can be classified into various types. Below are some of the main types of brushing machines and their characteristics:
Belt Brushing Machine
Overview
The belt brushing machine uses a high-speed rotating abrasive belt to frictionally brush the surface of aluminium frictionally, creating a uniform linear texture.

特点
- Suitable for brushing large metal sheets
- Interchangeable abrasive belts of different grits to achieve various brushing effects
- Capable of creating multiple textures, including straight, cross, and wavy patterns, which allows for a variety of design possibilities.
- High efficiency, ideal for mass production
应用
- Aluminium alloy sheets, doors and windows, curtain walls
- Home appliance panels, metal casings
Dry Brushing Machine
Overview
The dry brushing machine uses physical friction for the brushing process, without the use of coolant.

特点
- The equipment has a simple structure and low maintenance costs.
- It is suitable for rapid processing, offering high production efficiency.
- Due to the absence of coolant, dust generation is more likely, necessitating the installation of dust extraction equipment.
应用
- Industrial aluminium products, building materials
- Decorative treatment of metal surfaces such as stainless steel, copper, and aluminium
Wet Brushing Machine
Overview
The wet brushing machine incorporates lubricants or coolants during the processing to reduce frictional heat and dust, thereby improving surface smoothness.

特点
- Uniform texture, with a smoother surface
- Reduced frictional heat, preventing aluminium deformation
- Suitable for precision processing, ideal for products with high-quality requirements
应用
- Precision electronic product casings
- High-end metal decorative panels
Disc Brushing Machine
Overview
The disc brushing machine uses circular abrasive heads for rotary brushing, allowing the creation of unique textures such as ring-shaped or spiral patterns.

特点
- Suitable for processing local decorative textures
- Fine textures, ideal for small workpieces
- Primarily used for surface treatment of high-end metal products
应用
- Clock faces, car dashboards
- High-end decorative items, artworks
Drum Brushing Machine
Overview
The drum brushing machine uses the rotational friction of the drum to brush the surface of aluminium, making it suitable for processing irregular or cylindrical workpieces.

特点
- Suitable for mass production
- Capable of automated brushing, improving efficiency
- Can accommodate workpieces of various shapes
应用
- Round tubes, round bars, aluminium profiles
- Industrial parts and metal accessories
Comparison of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Common Brushing Machine Types
Brushing Machine Type | 优势 | 缺点 |
Belt Brushing Machine | 1. Suitable for large-area brushing. 2. Interchangeable belts allow for different textures. 3. High production efficiency, ideal for mass production. | 1. Requires regular belt replacement, leading to higher consumable costs. 2. Generates significant dust, necessitating a dust extraction system. |
Dry Brushing Machine | 1. Simple equipment structure with low maintenance costs. 2. Fast production speed, suitable for large-scale manufacturing. 3. Compatible with various metal materials. | 1. No coolant, leading to higher dust and heat generation. 2. The surface finish is not as smooth as that of wet brushing machines. |
Wet Brushing Machine | 1. Produces uniform textures with a smooth surface finish. 2. Reducing frictional heat, minimising material deformation. 3. Ideal for precision processing with high-quality requirements. | 1. Higher equipment costs. 2. Requires coolant treatment, increasing environmental compliance requirements. |
Disc Brushing Machine | 1. Capable of creating special textures such as circular and sunburst patterns. 2. Suitable for high-end products like watches and dashboards. 3. High precision with aesthetically pleasing surface effects. | 1. Mainly used for small workpieces; inefficient for large-area processing. 2. Limited applicability to specific types of workpieces. |
Drum Brushing Machine | 1. Suitable for irregular and cylindrical workpieces. 2. Enables automated brushing, improving production efficiency. 3. Produces uniform textures, making it ideal for mass production. | 1. More complex structure, requiring higher maintenance. 2. Not suitable for processing flat aluminium sheets. |
Advantages of Brushed Aluminium Surface Treatment
Brushed aluminium surface treatment is a widely used metal finishing technique, commonly applied in various fields of industrial design and product manufacturing. By means of mechanical friction or other methods, a directional texture is formed on the aluminium surface, which not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the metal but also adds functional characteristics to aluminium products. Below are the main advantages of brushed aluminium surface treatment:
- Enhances the metallic texture and improves aesthetic appeal
Brushed treatment creates uniform, delicate, or rugged textures on the surface of aluminium, giving the metal a silky sheen and a distinctive visual depth. Compared to untreated smooth surfaces, brushed aluminium products offer a more refined and contemporary appearance, making them popular in fields such as electronics, home appliance casings, and architectural decoration. Various texture types—such as straight grain, random grain, or wave patterns—can be selected according to design requirements, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences.
- Improves Surface Imperfections and Enhances Overall Uniformity
During production or transportation, aluminium may develop scratches, dents, or slight oxidation marks that affect its visual quality. Brushing treatment can effectively conceal these minor imperfections, resulting in a consistent and uniform surface texture. This is particularly beneficial in large-scale production, where brushing significantly enhances the visual uniformity and acceptance rate of products, while reducing the rate of defects.
- Wide Range of Texture Options to Suit Diverse Design Needs
Brushed treatment can create various texture effects, such as straight lines, crosshatch patterns, waves, spirals, etc., depending on the process and equipment used. This provides designers with greater flexibility during product development, allowing them to meet the standardisation requirements of industrial products while also offering personalised customisation, enhancing the product’s competitive differentiation.
Daily Maintenance of Brushed Aluminium Surfaces
To maintain the texture and performance of brushed aluminium products, the following maintenance recommendations should be observed during daily use:
- Avoid Scratching with Sharp Objects
Although brushed surfaces have a certain degree of scratch resistance, sharp objects can still damage the texture and affect its appearance.
Recommendation:
- Use protective film during handling or assembly
- Avoid placing metal tools or hard objects on the workbench
- Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Over time, dust or oil stains may accumulate on the surface and should be cleaned regularly.
Recommendation:
- Use a soft cloth dampened with water or a mild detergent to wipe the surface
- Avoid using cleaning products containing strong acids, alkalis, or abrasive particles
- Prevent Corrosive Contact
Chemicals such as acids, alkalis, or salts in prolonged contact with the aluminium surface may damage the brushed layer or the oxide film.
Recommendation:
- Avoid prolonged exposure in highly corrosive environments
- In case of accidental contact, promptly rinse the surface with clean water
- Avoid Direct Sunlight and High Temperatures
High temperatures and strong light exposure may accelerate surface oxidation, leading to discolouration or loss of gloss.
Recommendation:
- For indoor products, avoid placing them near heat sources or direct sunlight
- For outdoor products, anodising and UV-resistant coatings should be applied for protection
结论
Aluminium surface brushing is a finishing process that creates delicate textures through mechanical friction, widely used to enhance the appearance and functionality of aluminium materials. Through brushing, the surface of aluminium achieves an aesthetically pleasing decorative effect, improved wear resistance, concealment of surface imperfections, and enhanced fingerprint resistance. Additionally, after brushing, aluminium typically undergoes further post-treatment processes such as anodising and fingerprint-resistant coatings to further enhance its performance.
To maintain the optimal appearance and extend the lifespan of brushed surfaces, regular maintenance is equally crucial. Key measures to preserve the texture and performance of brushed aluminium include regular cleaning, avoiding scratches from sharp objects, preventing contact with corrosive substances, and protecting the surface from high temperatures and strong light exposure.
Overall, 康科 has many years of experience in the field of aluminium surface brushing. The company has worked with numerous large domestic enterprises, providing surface brushing treatments, along with subsequent anodising processes. This significantly reduces transportation costs and processing time. Our brushed aluminium components are widely used in various sectors, including home appliances, electronics, and architectural decoration. Proper post-treatment and meticulous daily maintenance can further enhance the quality and market competitiveness of brushed aluminium products.