Where To Use Stainless Steel With A Grain Finish

Stainless steel comes in a variety of finishes with a brushed look or grain finish being the most common choice for many household and commercial applications. Choosing the type of stainless steel finish that best meets the needs of the utility and your industry, is one of the most important parts of any stainless steel project. So we thought we’d use today’s blog to discuss the 3 areas where stainless steel with a grained finish is commonly used.

Commercial equipment and machinery

Not all commercial equipment and machinery is designed for highly porous materials, and this being the case, a stainless steel solution that fits the bill perfectly is one with a grained finish. For example certain types of machinery in the clothing or scientific industry may require the strength and durability of steel but are better made don’t warrant being made from hot rolled steel with its low porosity.

In this scenario, stainless steel with a grain finish is right for the job because it is highly durable, not likely to cause damage to the product, and easy to clean. It meets the necessary criteria without the expense of more extensive preparation and finish.

Industrial areas of high traffic

Stainless steel with a grained finish is ideal for areas that encounter heavy use or high traffic. This material is intended to withstand wear and tear and will retain its looks for many years to come. The stainless steel has a dull sheen because all the grain hasn’t been buffed out, which means that marks and scratches are less visible than in a highly polished steel. This makes it the perfect choice for elevator parts and wall panels.

Protective panels in food and beverage industry

While a grained finish stainless steel is rarely used in manufacturing high grade chemical or food products, it is commonly used in the protective panels which are installed around the machinery. Why is this? Well the visible grain easily gathers bacteria which makes it unsuitable for use in food and chemical production for obvious reasons. However, because it is sturdy and not easily damaged, stainless steel with a grain finish is ideal for protecting workers using the machinery.

Common examples of grained finish stainless steel

Stainless steels #3 and #4 finish are common in industrial applications and have a brushed look to them with an easy to spot grain running in one direction. Because there is no shine or mirror finish, it’s perfect for use in commercial and industrial applications, because it doesn’t highlight any signs of wear or tear. In the home many household appliances have a stainless steel grain finish, as do kitchen sinks and floor kick plates.

Here at Metro Steel we use a wide range of stainless steel finishes and can advise you on the best choice for your new project. Why not give us a call on 07 3204 1000 or drop by and see us at our purpose built facility in Deception Bay to see how we can help you.