Stainless steel is valued for strength and corrosion resistance, but this resilient alloy still benefits from surface treatments. These refine appearance, enhance durability and help components withstand demanding environments. Across sectors from food processing to aerospace surface treatments, the right technique ensures performance, cleanliness and long-term reliability.
Pickling
Pickling removes heat tint, oxides and scale that form during fabrication or welding. Using controlled acids, it cleans and restores the passive chromium layer that provides corrosion resistance. The process is especially useful after thermal cutting or forming, where contaminants could trigger localised corrosion. After rinsing, the steel regains a bright, uniform finish, ready for further processing or exposure.
Passivation
Passivation strengthens the natural protective film by removing free iron and impurities. Typically using nitric or citric acid, it enhances corrosion resistance without altering appearance. Passivation is key for components exposed to moisture, salt or chemical agents.
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Electropolishing
Electropolishing smooths microscopic peaks and valleys by dissolving a thin surface layer through controlled electrochemical action. The result is a bright, ultra-clean finish that improves hygiene, reduces friction and enhances fatigue resistance. It is especially beneficial for medical, food and high-purity pipeline systems where contamination must be minimised.
Mechanical Finishing
Mechanical finishing uses grinding, brushing or polishing to refine texture and create decorative effects. Each stage employs progressively finer abrasives to reach the desired sheen or reflectivity. Beyond aesthetics, mechanical finishing reduces surface roughness, limiting areas where debris can accumulate and improving overall corrosion resistance.
