Brushed Stainless

Brushed Stainless

Design and Everyday Use of Perforated Stainless Steel

The perforating of stainless steel is a process made popular due to the many desirable and durable properties of this alloy. Stainless steel is essentially a steel alloy with a minimum of 10% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel (It stains less) is named just that; because it does not stain, corrode, or rust as easily as ordinary carbon or mild steel. It can also be called corrosion-resistant steel. One common misconception however is that it is stain proof, this is an exaggeration of its metallurgic properties. Stainless steel is available in various grades, approximately one hundred fifty total, yet only fifteen of these grades are commonly used. The individual grades of stainless steel are divided into groups or series based on their specific composition (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 series). The stainless steel is also classified according to its aesthetic finish which is applied after the material has been milled to size and thickness. Some examples of popular finishes are matte, satin, brushed, reflective, mirror, and a simple coarse abrasive finish.

Perforated stainless steel is typically produced using two popular production methods. The first, and more popular, is an all-across perforating press which perforates a row or pattern of holes across the material. The material is fed through the press in a precisely controlled fashion to produce a repetitive pattern. The finished material is automatically sheared or cut into specific lengths to create individual sheets. The perforated stainless material can also be left intact as a single length of material and wrapped into a coil. A sectional or two axis perforating press is another method of producing a perforated stainless steel sheet. In this case, the machinery moves the raw material beneath a stationary punching head in various patterns using two horizontal axes to guide the sheet. The end result is a pattern of holes based on the machine program and the desired output. This method is popular for unusual, non-repetitive patterns. It is also used when the raw material is too large or too wide to be physically inserted into an all-across press.

A perforated coil can be bound and shipped to the customer or moved to the next process once the perforating process is complete. The perforated sheets, on the other hand, may endure addition processes depending on their application, at the very least, cleaning and packaging for shipment. Other finishing processes may be custom shearing into various sizes and shapes, rolling into cylinders or arches, welding, and forming into various shapes. One process however that is rarely performed is painting. Stainless steel is designed for use without paint. Its surface is resistant to corrosion, rust, and discoloration and is rarely painted. Most paints will actually have difficulty adhering to the surface unless the surface has been sandblasted or roughed up and hand sanded.

Perforated stainless steel products are seen and used daily around the world. This product is used in many applications on the building and architectural front. It is renowned for its durability and strength, its longevity and ability to withstand the weather, as well as its pleasing appearance in aesthetic and decorative uses. Many building facades has been designed to accommodate perforated stainless as a means of finishing the exterior. For instance, platforms and railings many times are designed using stainless steel. It is also popular with decorative accents and exterior stainless steel panels which allow light and air to pass freely while supplying a pleasing appearance.

Perforated stainless steel has infinite uses within the industrial as well as consumer markets. It is ideal for any products contacting liquids since it is resistant to rusting and corrosion. Liquid filtration, in particular, is a popular use for this amazing alloy. Perforated products in the food and medical industry are also produced in stainless steel for the same reason. Stainless steel resists bacterial growth just as it resists corrosion therefore making it the primary raw material for items that contact human consumables. It seems we can find perforated stainless steel all around us, in many instances right before our eyes throughout any given day.

About the Author

About the Author:
Chet is a 16+ year employee of Hendrick Manufacturing Company, a leader in producing perforated stainless steel for industry and architecture. Hendrick Mfg. has produced perforated stainless steel and various other perforated products continuously in Carbondale, PA since 1876.

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