HOME FAQs BOOKS JOBS: Help Wanted Suggestions you are here: Hotline/Forum => Letter 24036

Methods for high shine, low Ra surface finish on stainless steel?

+++

We work with high purity 316L SST to manufacture gas flow products that meet or exceed the Semiconductor Industry standards for internal wetted surfaces. Electropolish and acid Passivation is the process method presently used. Are there other methods that are being researched such as CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) of chrome, that may be used in creating a passive layer with a high chrome/nickel finish and a sub 1 microinch Ra on internal surfaces?

Thank you,

Raul Mercado
manufacturing - Livermore, California

+++

A low Ra surface produced via mechanical polishing and then electropolishing is currently your best option. By reducing micro-pits and cracks and removing sub-surface impurities, there is reduced chance for corrosion to begin and to take hold in the base metal. When comparing methods, consider a salt spray test or other accelerated corrosion test. Comparison of corrosion is your only sure way to know if any method is superior.

David Pokvitis
- Chicago, Illinois

ANSWER or FOLLOW UP POST an unrelated QUESTION HOT Topics

Disclaimer: It is not possible to diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information
presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The
internet is largely anonymous; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations may be deliberately harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: