This term covers machining processes that serve to modify the functional and/or optical surface properties of the workpiece.
Examples include:
- The removal of the surface (e.g., electropolishing),
- Surface coating (e.g., painting, chrome plating, galvanizing, powder coating),
- Mechanical surface treatments (e.g., deburring, polishing, grinding, shot peening),
- Chemical surface finishing (e.g., degreasing, etching, cleaning).