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Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Stainless steel finish classification

What is the classification system used to classify the stainless steel finish? What is the difference between mirror finish, brush finish and hairline finish of stainless steel?How we can measure these finishes?

Jose Thoams
Steel Fabrication - Dubai, UAE
2004

Profilometers

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Appearance and measurements are not necessarily compatible. Meaning, you can can have some very bright looking parts and still have a rather rough surface metal profile or a smooth surface profile and a dull finish. For measuring surface profile, there is a small measuring device called a profilometer that measures peaks and valleys of the metal. Appearances are more subjective.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2004

Stainless Steel finishes are very clearly defined in American Society of Testing & Materials ASTM A480 Specification. So, please refer to that document.

J N Dutta
- Kuwait
2004

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