5 minutes to understand stainless steel finishes
Stainless steel is a frequently used material in manufacturing production in a wide variety of industries. Sometimes, the surface needs to be treated before the stainless steel is processed for the purpose of the project. The surface finish of stainless steel can affect aesthetics, durability, and corrosion resistance. There are a variety of ways to change the surface appearance of stainless steel parts and components. Let's briefly describe five common industrial stainless steel finishing techniques.
Polishing technology
Polishing uses abrasives and polishing wheels to produce a mirror-like shine. The bright sheen of a polished surface enhances the bright, smooth appearance of stainless steel. It is popular for consumer products and architectural details.
Brushing
Brushing produces uniform, fine line scratches by abrading the steel. It hides fingerprints and small scratches. The smooth satin sheen is valued in cookware and medical equipment.
Bead Blasting
In sandblasting, blasting with fine glass or ceramic beads gives stainless steel a matte texture and improves its corrosion resistance. Bead size determines surface roughness. Sandblasting provides a uniform surface finish popular in industrial equipment and transportation applications.
Electrolytic polishing
Electrolytic polishing places stainless steel materials in a suitable electrolytic solution for electrolysis, selectively removing their roughness and improving the surface finish. The mirror-like finish provides the sterility and cleanability required in pharmaceutical and medical environments.
Powder coating
Powder coating is a colored polymer coating used for decorative purposes. The coating is usually applied using dry powder and then baked, resulting in a durable, smooth surface that also provides a colorful, decorative finish.
Conclusion
In addition to the surface treatment techniques described above, there are many other techniques that can be used to fine-tune the surface of stainless steel. This range of finishes can make stainless steel more aesthetically pleasing, more durable, and more resistant to corrosion.
