For engineers, designers and manufacturers in the food industry, pharmaceutical sector, cleanroom technology and high-tech machine building who demand the highest standards in hygiene, corrosion resistance and surface quality.
In many stainless steel installations, traditional surface treatments such as wet blasting stainless steel, glass bead blasting or chemical pickling are used to remove heat tint, oxide layers and contamination. While these processes clean the surface, they can have limitations in terms of reproducibility, surface quality and sustainability.
ViwateQ® Finishing offers a modern alternative.
This innovative stainless steel surface treatment combines the advantages of wet blasting and passivation, but without aggressive chemicals and with a far more controlled and reproducible result.
The result is a microscopically smooth, homogeneous and passive stainless steel surface that is more resistant to contamination, bacterial adhesion and corrosion.
ViwateQ® is commonly applied to:
Stainless steel piping systems
Process installations
Tanks and reactors
Machine frames
Components for food, pharmaceutical and high-tech applications
Van Geenen is an official license holder and preferred supplier of ViwateQ® Finishing and operates its own installation on site. This allows us to combine the treatment with our expertise in stainless steel machining, grinding, surface finishing and cleanroom cleaning — all under one roof.
ViwateQ® is a patented mechanical surface treatment for stainless steel that removes oxide layers, weld discoloration and contamination without using chemicals.
Unlike conventional methods such as:
wet blasting stainless steel
glass bead blasting
chemical pickling
ViwateQ® uses a controlled wet mechanical process that conditions the stainless steel surface.
Wet blasting typically uses a mixture of water and blasting media to create a smooth and uniform surface. While effective for cleaning metal surfaces, the final result is often achieved through abrasive blasting that alters the surface structure.
ViwateQ® goes one step further.
During the treatment process, a new passive surface with a microscopically closed structure is created. This provides significant advantages for installations where hygiene and cleanability are critical.
The result:
reduced dirt adhesion
improved cleanability
increased corrosion resistance
longer service life of installations
Oxyliser measurements show that ViwateQ® can achieve a higher electrochemical potential than conventionally pickled stainless steel surfaces, indicating a stronger passive layer and better corrosion protection.
For critical sectors such as food processing, pharmaceutical production and high-tech machine building, ViwateQ® therefore represents a sustainable and technically superior alternative to wet blasting or glass bead blasting stainless steel.
Wet blasting stainless steel is commonly used to clean surfaces, create a uniform finish or prepare components for hygienic applications. In this process, a mixture of water and blasting media is applied to the surface under pressure, creating a satin-like and evenly textured finish.
Although wet blasting is an effective method for surface conditioning, more and more companies choose ViwateQ® Finishing when:
hygiene and cleanability are critical
a reproducible surface treatment is required
chemical processes should be avoided
a long-lasting passive surface is desired
Unlike many blasting processes, ViwateQ® creates a stable and controlled surface topology, reducing the adhesion of dirt and bacteria.
This makes the technology particularly suitable for:
food processing equipment
pharmaceutical process installations
cleanroom technology
high-tech machine building
ViwateQ® Finishing is also frequently used as an alternative to glass bead blasting stainless steel. In our knowledge base article you can read everything about the differences between these techniques and when each surface treatment is the right choice.
ViwateQ® combines the advantages of wet blasting and advanced surface conditioning, while providing greater control over the final surface structure of stainless steel.
Key benefits include:
Chemical-free process – safe for people, equipment and the environment
Removes heat-affected weld zones and contamination
Forms a new, strong oxide layer (natural passivation)
Higher corrosion resistance than pickled or etched stainless steel
Microscopically smooth surface for improved hygiene
Easier cleaning and reduced downtime
Improved powder and dry material flow in processing systems
For installations in the food and process industries, this can result in:
reduced cleaning time
less product loss
lower maintenance costs
By managing the entire process in-house, we ensure consistent quality, optimal coordination and maximum control over time and results.
For optimal results, ViwateQ® is often combined with:
Pre-grinding
To achieve the required surface roughness beforehand.
Mechanical machining, grinding and polishing
Fully performed in-house.
High-tech cleaning and cleanroom packaging
For contamination-free delivery of components and installations.
Thanks to this integrated approach, Van Geenen acts as a one-stop shop for stainless steel surface finishing, from material processing to final cleanroom delivery.
Van Geenen B.V. has obtained a licence from ViwateQ International B.V. to perform ViwateQ® Finishing in-house. Using this process, Van Geenen treats the surface of supplied machines and components. The surface is finished in such a way that it meets defined surface roughness requirements, including applications with direct or indirect food contact.
Van Geenen takes care of it: smarter, faster and efficient. No fuss, no middlemen - just complete, high-quality finishes from A to Z.
With generations of knowledge, high-end techniques and attention to detail, we deliver quality without concessions. This is how we proudly put our signature on every project.
We build lasting relationships, with personal contact and honest advice. Always involved, always accessible.
Our specialists will be happy to help you with technical advice, a test treatment or customized quote.
