Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Pros & Cons of glass bead matte finish on stainless steel surgical instruments

Is there any documentation that would support the use of a glass bead matte finish on stainless steel surgical instruments used in laser surgery? I need to be able to speak to the pros & cons of using this process with a surgeon.

Victor Graffeo
Product Manager for a surgical instrument repair company - Birmingham, Alabama, USA
November 4, 2010

---

Well common sense would dictate that it would be horrible and expensive to clean. On top of that there is the psychological down side as matte finishes sort of look dirty and unclean all the time and as a patient, I just might have a big problem with that. On the up side I guess it would be a lot cheaper to make as there is no polishing.

Rod Henrickson
gunsmith - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
First of two simultaneous responses -- November 9, 2010

---

Victor,

You can combine the advantages of electropolishing with matte finish without using any mechanical means. Special regimes in electropolishing in our acid-free electrolyte will provide good matte non-reflective surface, burrs-free and corrosion protected. Contact us for more information.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Second of two simultaneous responses -- November 9, 2010