This paper, presented at the IOM workshop, So You Want to Build it in Stainless Steel, firstly outlines mill and mechanically polished (brushed) finishes to EN 10088 part 2. It goes on to discuss patterned finishes, bead-blasted finishes and electropolished finishes in a wide range of applications.

Galling (cold welding) is a form of severe adhesive wear. The mechanism is briefly described. Methods for reducing galling tendency are discussed and include lubrication, nitriding and hard chromium plating.

The purpose of this guide is to:

·         show to the architect and designer the wide range of possible surfaces at his/her disposal

·         provide more detail on the processes involved

·         provide basic technical advice on their application

Primer adhesion to stainless steel sheet and plate surfaces can be an issue. Final cleaning is important. Typical coating systems are outlined for external environments category C3 C4 C5I and C5M to ISO12944 and ISO9223.

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is due to a 'passive', chromium-rich complex, oxide film that forms naturally on the surface of the steel. This is the normal condition for stainless steel surfaces and is known as the 'passive state' or 'passive condition'.

Colorful illustrations throughout this free Designer Handbook provide a sampling of the customized, special finishes for stainless steel available in today's marketplace. Learn about etched, embossed, rolled, colored, and other special finishes, and where you can find them through the handbook's Directory of Representative Suppliers.

It is important for an architect to have an appreciation of the options available for optimum realisation and performance. The reference specification for process route and surface finish for sheet, plate, and strip, is the European Standard EN 10088 Part 2. This standard uses a combination of letter and number for designation purposes which are given here as appropriate.

Summary of the main surface finish designations and comments on where they might be appropriate.

Surface finishing treatments applied to stainless steels can take many forms. The main objective of these treatments is to restore optimum corrosion resistance following thermal and mechanical processing, and to enhance cosmetic appeal.

Acid Pickling, descaling, passivation, electropolishing and electroplating are described. in addition to mechanical polishing, abrasive blasting, barrel and vibratory finishing and finally, patterned and coloured finishes.

This document discusses the following points:

·         Specifying mechanically finished surfaces for stainless steel fabrications

·         Frequently used finishing methods

·         Frequently used abrasives and power tools

·         Best practice finishing

·         Case studies

·         Health, safety and environmental issues

Hydrofluoric acid is an aggressive substance used in the stainless steel industry, usually to assist in removal of scale and the chrome depleted layer associated with welds. This ASSDA technical bulletin outlines changes to drugs and poisons schedules and state-by-state contacts on the subject in Australia.