When a metal artifact or surface does not reflect and is used in contexts that require hygiene—such as artifacts for food or pharmaceutical use—it is most likely treated with satin finishing. Satin finishing of metals is a process that aesthetically and functionally modifies the metal, producing a uniform and matte surface finish that not only improves the appearance of the metal but also increases its resistance to corrosion and scratching. It’s a treatment that also adjusts surface roughness, reducing porosity and increasing durability. Aesthetically, satin finishing reveals the true character of the metal, enhancing every detail with elegance and precision.
Satin Finishing, on Which Metals It Is Performed
Satin finishing can be applied to various types of metals. Here are a few:
• Stainless steel: Satin finishing on stainless steel gives it a typical elegant matte appearance and increases its durability.
• Aluminum: Besides the aesthetic aspect, satin finishing of aluminum is also fundamental in the anodizing process.
• Copper: A vintage satin effect is often sought after on copper.
• Brass: As with copper, the desired effect often has vintage shades.
In any case, on all these metals, satin finishing results in a smooth but matte effect, masking any superficial defects of the material and eliminating those left by other mechanical processes.
The Advantages of Satin Finishing
As mentioned earlier, satin finishing not only enhances the aesthetic appearance of metals but also offers tangible long-term benefits in terms of durability and resistance. Specifically, satin finishing:
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- Helps remove the first porous and oxidized layer of metal surfaces, providing a clean and cleanable finish.
- When used in conjunction with chemical treatments such as pickling and passivation, it helps increase the resistance to corrosion and daily wear of metal surfaces.
- Makes marks like fingerprints and stains less visible, masking minor imperfections in the metal and making it easier to clean and maintain.
- Offers better finish durability over time.
These benefits make satin finishing a practical and aesthetically competitive choice.
Applications of Satin Finishing
Satin finishing is applied across various industrial sectors due to its versatility. It is widely used, for instance, in architecture and design to create decorative and functional elements that require a refined aesthetic and long-lasting durability.
In the chemical sector, it is an excellent choice (for its cost-to-quality ratio) for finishing the internal and external surfaces of reactors and process machinery. Additionally, in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where components are often subjected to mechanical polishing processes, it serves as an excellent preparation for electrochemical treatment, resulting in improved cleaning and sanitization possibilities of the material.
Satin Finishing Services by BAMA S.r.l.
BAMA S.r.l. offers a satin finishing and mechanical finishing service with a high degree of surface roughness precision. This means that customers can request a specific surface roughness level, expressed in micrometers, guaranteed by a combination of know-how and the use of regularly calibrated and certified measurement instruments.
At BAMA, we certify the requested roughness value for metal polishing or satin finishing through a measurement report, which includes a printout of the measured profile. This data is then documented on a letterhead declaration containing the item’s identification details and all information necessary to ensure traceability over time for both the treatment and the metrological traceability chain, along with the processing and measurement specifications. This ensures that every satin finishing and mechanical finishing operation is guaranteed for traceability and compliance with requests.
Would you like to request a quote for mechanical finishing or ask for a no-obligation consultation? Contact us!
