{"id":48740,"date":"2024-02-19T09:58:26","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T08:58:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/?p=48740"},"modified":"2024-12-16T13:24:08","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T12:24:08","slug":"steel-surface-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/trattamenti-superficiali-acciaio\/","title":{"rendered":"Surface treatments for steel: shot peening and satin finishing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>Shot peening and satin finishing are two of the most commonly used <strong>surface treatments for refining stainless steel<\/strong> surfaces.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>But what goals do they allow to achieve, and how do the two processes differ? In this article, we will explore the <strong>advantages, common characteristics, and differences<\/strong> between the two methodologies, as well as how to use them effectively.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the surface treatments of stainless steel and what are they used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>Various surface treatments can be applied to stainless steel. These processes are typically carried out after manufacturing, with either <strong>aesthetic or functional purposes<\/strong>. They are useful, for example, in removing scratches or enhancing the material\u2019s resistance.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the well-known surface treatments for stainless steel, we can mention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>brushing<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/metals.weggagency.com\/en\/spazzolatura-acciaio-inox\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/metals.weggagency.com\/en\/spazzolatura-acciaio-inox\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">to smooth the surface<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>electropolishing<\/strong>: providing a shiny, brilliant surface and reducing roughness;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>In addition to these, we\u2019ll delve into <strong>stainless steel shot peening and satin finishing<\/strong> in the following paragraphs.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is stainless steel shot peening and how it is done<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>As reported in the study \u201cEffect of shot peening on the hardening and surface roughness of nitrided austenitic stainless steel\u201d, published in the <strong>International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology<\/strong>, shot peening is a treatment that enhances not only the material\u2019s aesthetics but also <strong>renews its robustness<\/strong> and <strong>extends its life<\/strong>.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>Following all processes \u2013 such as cutting, welding, punching\u2026 \u2013 stainless steel undergoes <strong>significant changes in its structure<\/strong>, which tends to <strong>lose strength and resistance<\/strong>.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>The shot peening process takes place in the final stages of production and is entrusted to specific machinery where stainless steel is literally <strong>bombarded by thousands of spheres<\/strong> (made of glass, steel, ceramic) across its entire surface.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>This process occurs at <strong>high speed<\/strong>. The compressed air jet \u2013 controlled at every step \u2013 pushes the beads against the area to be treated, ensuring a better <strong>distribution of tension throughout the material<\/strong> and increasing its solidity without damaging the surface. In fact, the process creates <strong>small craters on the stainless steel\u2019s surface<\/strong> layer, inducing metal compression, making it more resistant and durable.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>Additionally, this treatment also impacts the <strong>aesthetics of the steel<\/strong>. Shot peening, indeed, eliminates imperfections and scratches, improves <strong>material adhesion, and roughness<\/strong>, preparing the material for subsequent processes, such as painting, for example.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shot peening and micropowder peening of stainless steel: features and benefits&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>Shot peening and micropowder peening are two treatments that are practically identical, differing primarily in the <strong>size of the spheres<\/strong> used in the process. Micropowder peening, in particular, is recommended for the processing of <strong>high-quality and delicate components<\/strong>.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>Depending on the desired finish, the <strong>abrasive material of the spheres<\/strong> (such as ceramic, glass, stainless steel) and their size can be selected to recreate a <strong>uniform, matte, non-reflective<\/strong>, and highly homogeneous <strong>surface<\/strong>.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>The shot peening or micropowder peening process is, therefore, <strong>recommended for<\/strong>:<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>increasing the durability of the material;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improving the strength of stainless steel after processing;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>uniform the surface;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>eliminating oxidation, welding traces, and imperfections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" data-id=\"48756\" src=\"https:\/\/metals.weggagency.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/satinatura-acciaio-inox-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-48756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2024\/02\/satinatura-acciaio-inox-1024x684.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.metals.it\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2024\/02\/satinatura-acciaio-inox-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.metals.it\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2024\/02\/satinatura-acciaio-inox-768x513.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.metals.it\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2024\/02\/satinatura-acciaio-inox-18x12.jpg.webp 18w, https:\/\/www.metals.it\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2024\/02\/satinatura-acciaio-inox.jpg.webp 1504w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-smush-webp-fallback=\"{&quot;srcset&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.metals.it\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/satinatura-acciaio-inox-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/www.metals.it\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/satinatura-acciaio-inox-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/www.metals.it\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/satinatura-acciaio-inox-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/www.metals.it\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/satinatura-acciaio-inox-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\\\/\\\/www.metals.it\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/satinatura-acciaio-inox.jpg 1504w&quot;}\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Satin finishing of stainless steel: What is its purpose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p><strong>Satin finishing<\/strong>, on the other hand, is a treatment primarily focused on the <strong>aesthetic aspect<\/strong> of a stainless steel product. In this case as well, the process occurs on the material\u2019s surface to be worked on, but it involves the use of <strong>abrasive belts<\/strong> to eliminate imperfections and scratches. Moreover, the belts can have <strong>different grains and formats<\/strong> depending on the desired result.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>The satin finishing process is <strong>delicate and rather complex<\/strong>: the treatment must be uniform, carried out with great precision, and using cutting-edge machinery to perfectly address defects caused by previous processes (such as bending and <a href=\"https:\/\/metals.weggagency.com\/en\/processo-produttivo\/saldatura\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/production-process\/welding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">welding<\/a>).<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The advantages of satin finishing can be summarized as follows:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eliminates imperfections resulting from stainless steel processing (such as burrs, oxidation, and scratches).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gives the metal a matt appearance, making it aesthetically more appealing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Removes the reflection on the surface, making it opaque (useful in certain markets, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/metals.weggagency.com\/en\/acciaio-inox-nel-settore-alimentare-e-medicale\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/stainless-steel-in-the-food-and-medical-sector\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the food<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/markets-of-reference\/complex-assemblies-and-machine-parts\/packaging\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/metals.weggagency.com\/en\/mercati-di-riferimento\/assiemi-complessi-e-parti-di-macchine\/packaging\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">packaging industry<\/a>, for example).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepares stainless steel for further surface treatments or coatings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why consider shot-peened steel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>As we have seen, satin finishing and shot peening are two crucial surface treatments for stainless steel, especially for those involved in <a href=\"https:\/\/metals.weggagency.com\/en\/mercati-di-riferimento\/assiemi-complessi-e-parti-di-macchine\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/metals.weggagency.com\/en\/mercati-di-riferimento\/assiemi-complessi-e-parti-di-macchine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">complex assemblies<\/a>. <strong>Each treatment has its own characteristics<\/strong> that should be considered based on the ultimate goal and the target market.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p><strong>Shot-peened steel is more durable<\/strong> because shot peening, as we\u2019ve discussed, increases its robustness, in addition to improving its aesthetics. Therefore, this can be a process to consider not only for enhancing the product\u2019s appearance but also to prepare it well for subsequent processing stages and enhance its durability over time.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>Upon request, at Metal\u2019s, we carry out shot peening treatments on stainless steel using <strong>glass or ceramic microspheres<\/strong>. This material, in particular, allows us to work on the product\u2019s aesthetics while simultaneously <strong>enhancing the hardness and resistance of the material<\/strong>.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block\"><p>Of course, to achieve the desired result, factors such as the <strong>hardness of the material used for the spheres<\/strong>, their size, the speed, flow, and intensity of the jet must be taken into consideration.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to learn more?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover the best stainless steel surface treatments for your project. Rely on our professionals and evaluate the benefits you can achieve in your processes.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pallinatura e satinatura sono due tra i trattamenti superficiali dell\u2019acciaio pi\u00f9 utilizzati per rifinire le superfici in inox.&nbsp; Ma quali obiettivi consentono di raggiungere e come si differenziano i due processi? In questo articolo vedremo vantaggi, caratteristiche comuni e differenze tra le due metodologie e come utilizzarle al meglio. Cosa sono i trattamenti superficiali dell\u2019acciaio [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":48752,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wds_primary_category":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[136,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48740","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-approfondimenti","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48740","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48740"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48740\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48752"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48740"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48740"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metals.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48740"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}