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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Stainless Steel Brush Finish Specifications

What constitutes a No. 4 brush finish on stainless steel? What is the min/max roughness for a No. 4 finish? Where can I find more info on No.3, No.4, No.6, and No. 8 finish specs?

Joseph Litza
- Chicago, Illinois
2001

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2001

No. 4 finish is typical 150-180 grit (satin) finish. Much like the stainless steel shutter found on 3.5" floppy diskette. No. 3 finish varies with the mill/polishers can be as low as 60 and as high as 140 grit. Roughness average (Ra) value is very dependent on the mills/polishers. The flatness of the coils/sheets, as they are handled and produced from the mills is a major decisive factors in the final Ra value.

No. 8 finish is a true mirror finish. No residual polishing lines should be found on the surface of the stainless. Roughness average (Ra) is 1 microinch or below.

I believe the Specialty Steel Industry of North America has free handbooks on the finishes of stainless steel sheets.

Also, ASTM should have finish specifications as well for a fee.

Mike

Michael Liu Taylor
specialty stainless steel distributor - Dallas, Texas

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2007

I have a part print that requires a #3 brush finish. Material is 380 Al. The only surface finish standard I have is an Ra reference. I do have a profilometer, but not sure what Ra or Rz value will roughly equal a #3 brush finish. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Shane

Shane Lindley
- Clearwater, Florida

I have a component machined with aluminium material. I have to callout in drawing its surface finish symbol. Can any one help me in this issue.

Kumar Pavan
- New York, USA
September 15, 2008

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What is the conversion of brushed #2 stainless steel surface finish equivalent?

Matthew DuVall
Quality Specialist - Bloomington, Minnesota
August 2, 2011