Surface Treatment Options for Precision Stainless Tube

Removing the Scale

Oxide scale is the layer of black hard material that appears on the surface during welding or high temperature treatment in forming. It is removed either by mechanical polishing or by pickling and passivation. Mechanical polishing tackles the oxidation physically and is simple and quick, but it can affect the precision of the tube body.

Related product: 316L Stainless Steel Pipe

Pickling and Passivation

Pickling and passivation uses chemistry rather than abrasion, so it has little effect on the precision of a precision tube. It also removes other stains and scars from the surface at the same time, which is why it is the classic surface oxidation treatment for this product.

Polishing Levels

Precision tube is usually made from 304 and 316L raw material whose surface starts at about 600 mesh brightness. As surface expectations rise, polishing is divided into bright and mirror levels, achieved by mechanical polishing, chemical polishing or electrochemical polishing depending on the gloss required.

Related product: Mirror Finish Stainless Steel Sheet

Brushed and Drawn Finishes

For a textured rather than reflective effect, the surface is polished progressively to produce a brushed finish, generally described as wire drawing. The common types are straight wire drawing, round wire drawing, snowflake wire drawing and nylon wire drawing, each reading differently under light.

Related product: Hairline Finish Stainless Steel Sheet

Colouring

The original colouring processes for stainless tube were painting, spraying and electroplating. Because traditional colouring has an environmental impact, the industry has moved toward alternatives, so state the colour requirement early and confirm the process that will be used.