Superior Stainless Steel Weldments and Brushed Finishes
Have you ever received a stainless steel weldment from a shop with unsatisfying results? That is unlikely to happen when you work with us.
The Baillie Fabricating and Welding team has extensive experience creating stainless steel weldments and brushed finishes for the food and pharmaceutical industries, which demand minimally visible weld seams and high-quality finishes, resulting in smooth and polished appearances.
No matter your industry, you’ll receive the same sterling results for your precision stainless steel fabrication project.
Design for Manufacturing Support
Baillie Fab collaborates with customers to optimize product designs for more efficient manufacturing. We provide recommendations to reduce material waste, incorporate hidden fasteners, and utilize adhesive bonding where appropriate. This design optimization approach helps minimize costs and improve aesthetics.
Baillie Fab guides customers in selecting the appropriate stainless steel grade based on corrosion resistance requirements. Sheet metal is usually available in 300 and 400 stainless steel series. While 304 is the standard grade for most applications requiring basic corrosion resistance, 316 is used in more demanding applications requiring a higher chemical resistance.
The 400 stainless steel series has a different metallurgical composition and some magnetic grades. Though the 400 series is not typically used in general precision stainless steel fabrication, it is used in cutlery and appliance door fronts for magnetic capabilities.
Expertise in Weldment Technique
The Baillie Fab team will decide what type of welding procedure should be used for your precision stainless steel fabrication project, depending on the application. TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding is best for finishes with strict aesthetic and sanitation requirements. It’s generally used for thinner gauge materials in pharmaceutical and food processing industries.
Weld warpage is a common issue when it comes to TIG welding thin-gauge stainless steel. However, Baillie Fab has developed techniques to handle this challenge. Our expertise in controlling heat-affected zones during welding results in better dimensional stability.
MIG (metal inert gas) or FCA (flux cored arc) welding is used for structural components such as heavy tubes and plates starting with a thickness of 0.25”. MIG welding is not ideal for thin materials; they’ll warp under high heat. A MIG-welded part also requires extensive cleaning to obtain a polished finish, while with a TIG-welded part polishing is less time consuming and will result in a better finished product.
Excellence in Finish
Baillie Fab strives to meet specific finish criteria used in various industries in our welding and fabrication shop. We advise on finishes like mill, #4, #6, or #8 based on the application.
Mill finish
The mill finish is the standard finish for stainless steel plate material, which is defined as any material thicker than 3/16”. This cost-effective material is commonly used in industrial applications, including piping, pressure vessels, structural framing, and other products where a smooth, reflective finish is not required, but corrosive capabilities are needed.
#4 finish
A #4 finish is typically used in pharmaceutical equipment, food equipment, and plumbing applications. You’ll see this finish on kitchen sinks, refrigerators, and backsplashes. The #4 finish creates a directional, lengthwise grain on the stainless steel sheet. The sheet arrives from the mill with a protective film or paper covering the finished side to prevent scratches during fabrication.
#6 finish
The #6 finish, generally known as a dairy finish, has a tighter, smoother grain finish than #4 and allows less area for bacteria to grow. This finish is achieved by using a fine abrasive to create a consistent, directional grain pattern on the stainless steel. A #6 finish provides a subdued, elegant appearance that hides fingerprints and small scratches, making it a popular choice for architectural and decorative applications, as well as in kitchens, elevators, and high-traffic areas.
#8 finish
Also known as a mirror finish, a #8 finish is used in the pharmaceutical industry where products come in contact with the metal surface. This finish has few pores, which eliminates places for bacteria to grow. The #8 finish is susceptible to scratching and requires polishing with compounds. It’s also used in architectural and design projects. A #8 finish is the most expensive option.
Baillie Fab excels in polishing and graining techniques to eliminate visible weld marks and achieve a seamless, brushed finish. Our shop takes great care in ensuring flawless finishes, making welds almost undetectable. This level of finishing expertise sets us apart from many other shops that provide metal finishing services.
The Baillie Fab Experience
With years of experience in fabrication, Baillie Fab has perfected stainless steel weldments and brushed finish techniques and processes.
Our deep understanding of the material, applications, and requirements allows us to consistently deliver high-quality results.
Request a quote or contact us today to learn more about our top-of-the-line, professional precision stainless steel fabrication services.
