The right surface treatment for stainless steel depends on what the surface needs to do.
Does it need to achieve a specific Ra value? Become easier to clean? Get a high-gloss finish? Become extremely flat? Or require a uniform, functional finish?
At Van Geenen, we combine different processes to achieve the right end result. From technical grinding and polishing to ViwateQ® Finishing, precision grinding and coating.
Not every application requires the same treatment. That is why we first look at the desired result and then determine the process.
A surface treatment can serve different purposes. Sometimes appearance is decisive, but often the technical properties matter most.
For example:
a specific surface roughness
improved cleanability
reduced dirt adhesion
a uniform grinding pattern
a glossy or mirror finish
high flatness
protection of the surface
preparation for further processing
Depending on the application, we choose one treatment or combine several steps.
When a specific surface roughness is required, we grind stainless steel to a defined Ra value.
This is especially important in applications where cleanability, hygiene or technical specifications are decisive. Think of food, pharma, high-tech and machine building.
By building up the grinding process in a controlled way, we can refine the surface to the required roughness.
Suitable for, among others:
technical components
food and pharma installations
machine parts
sheet material
applications with a defined Ra requirement
Stainless steel polishing is used when a smoother, finer or glossier surface is required.
This can be functional, for example to improve cleanability, but also aesthetic. From a fine, smooth finish to high gloss or mirror quality.
We polish both sheets and individual parts and assemblies.
Suitable for, among others:
visible parts
architecture and interiors
machine building
food & pharma
premium and high-quality products
When not only the surface, but also flatness and dimensional accuracy are critical, precision grinding comes into play. This process focuses on controlled material removal and tight tolerances.
Precision grinding is used for parts where standard grinding is not sufficient and is also highly suitable for materials such as titanium and aluminium.
Suitable for, among others:
flat technical components
tolerance-critical components
high-tech applications
machine building
aerospace
precision components
Not every component can be fully machined. With complex shapes, welded constructions, corners, tubes or hard-to-reach areas, manual finishing is often necessary.
Our specialists combine grinding and polishing to finish complex products in a controlled way.
Suitable for, among others:
complex geometries
welds
small series
formed parts
hard-to-reach areas
Sometimes mechanical finishing is not the final step.
A coating can provide additional surface protection or alter the appearance. Depending on the application, different coatings are possible, for example for colour, protection or specific functional properties.
Suitable for, among others:
decorative applications
design
architecture
functional protection
visible parts
ViwateQ® Finishing is a surface treatment for stainless steel that creates a uniform, clean and functional finish.
The process is used, among other things, when an alternative to pickling or traditional blasting is required.
ViwateQ® is especially interesting for applications where cleanability, appearance and surface quality come together.
Van Geenen is an official licence holder of ViwateQ® Finishing.
Suitable for, among others:
food & pharma
machine building
hygienic applications
visible parts
components where a uniform finish is required
The right choice depends on the function of the surface.
Desired result | Suitable process |
|---|---|
Specific Ra value | Stainless steel grinding |
Smooth and easy-to-clean surface | Grinding / polishing |
High-gloss or mirror finish | Stainless steel polishing |
High flatness and accuracy | Precision grinding |
Finishing complex shapes | Manual grinding & polishing |
Uniform, functional finish | ViwateQ® Finishing |
Protection or colour | Coating |
One treatment is often not enough. A component may first be ground, then polished and subsequently cleaned or coated.
That is where the strength of a complete finishing process lies.
Van Geenen does not only process flat sheet material. We also finish:
stainless steel sheets;
cut parts;
tubes;
machine parts;
welded constructions;
assembled products;
visible parts;
technical components.
We match the selected process to the material, geometry, required surface quality and final application.
Surface finishing rarely stands on its own. A product may require several processing steps before it is ready for assembly or use. That is why we combine different processes within one workflow where necessary.
For example:
grinding;
polishing;
manual finishing;
precision grinding;
ViwateQ® Finishing;
coating;
cleanroom cleaning and packaging.
This prevents unnecessary transfers between different suppliers.
One process. One point of contact. Control over the final result.
Do you already know which finish is required? Then we can immediately determine the right process.
Not sure yet? Then we assess the material, application and required surface quality together.
From technical Ra requirements to visual quality.
Van Geenen.
Finishing every challenge.
