Regardless of the intended use of a stainless steel part, proper surface finishing is essential to fulfilling the requirements of your particular application. When asking a stainless steel fabricator to make the parts you need, you should specify the exact finish you want. There are many different types of standard and special finishes to choose from, so making the right choice can be confusing, especially if you're not experienced in steel fabrication.
Here are a few crucial factors to consider in determining which type of finish to choose for your final stainless steel products.
Performance
In any application, stainless steel parts will be submitted to conditions that may compromise the structural integrity of the substrate material. Before deciding how your steel components should be finished, consider the specific performance requirements of your application.
For example, if the product will be in corrosive environments, such as in saline water, insist on a smooth and clean surface finish. A smooth surface offers superior corrosion resistance than a rougher surface. The deep grooves on rougher surfaces make the substrate material more susceptible to a buildup of deposits, which may reduce the performance of your components over time.
Maintenance
All stainless steel finishes perform better when properly cleaned and maintained, so you have to think about the maintenance regimen you'll need to follow to tidy up your stainless steel components.
In locations that require a lot of cleanliness, like hospitals and restaurants, correctly polished stainless steel helps to lessen the risk of bacterial attachment and are also easier to keep clean. This is because smooth surfaces are less susceptible to buildup of deposits, as they don't have grooves that may trap substances.
Appearance
For those applications where visual appearance matters, choose a finish that is both functional but also achieves the desired appearance. In consumer products, like catering equipment, the shiny look of smooth, well-polished stainless steel has great aesthetic appeal.
It is important to point out that aesthetics is only a secondary consideration to functionality. The aesthetics of a stainless steel component will be of little significance if the component can't provide reliable performance.
Although choosing a suitable finish for your stainless steel can be a daunting thing, reviewing the above-highlighted factors should help you make the best choice. But if you still need help with selecting the right finish for your steel components, don't hesitate to consult an experienced stainless steel fabricator. They'll listen to your project requirements and explain the various options available to you.