Shot peening and satin finishing are two of the most commonly used surface treatments for refining stainless steel surfaces.

But what goals do they allow to achieve, and how do the two processes differ? In this article, we will explore the advantages, common characteristics, and differences between the two methodologies, as well as how to use them effectively.

What are the surface treatments of stainless steel and what are they used for?

Various surface treatments can be applied to stainless steel. These processes are typically carried out after manufacturing, with either aesthetic or functional purposes. They are useful, for example, in removing scratches or enhancing the material’s resistance.

Among the well-known surface treatments for stainless steel, we can mention:

• brushing to smooth the surface;
• electropolishing: providing a shiny, brilliant surface and reducing roughness;

In addition to these, we’ll delve into stainless steel shot peening and satin finishing in the following paragraphs.

What is stainless steel shot peening and how it is done

As reported in the study “Effect of shot peening on the hardening and surface roughness of nitrided austenitic stainless steel”, published in the International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, shot peening is a treatment that enhances not only the material’s aesthetics but also renews its robustness and extends its life.

Following all processes – such as cutting, welding, punching… – stainless steel undergoes significant changes in its structure, which tends to lose strength and resistance.

The shot peening process takes place in the final stages of production and is entrusted to specific machinery where stainless steel is literally bombarded by thousands of spheres (made of glass, steel, ceramic) across its entire surface.

This process occurs at high speed. The compressed air jet – controlled at every step – pushes the beads against the area to be treated, ensuring a better distribution of tension throughout the material and increasing its solidity without damaging the surface. In fact, the process creates small craters on the stainless steel’s surface layer, inducing metal compression, making it more resistant and durable.

Additionally, this treatment also impacts the aesthetics of the steel. Shot peening, indeed, eliminates imperfections and scratches, improves material adhesion, and roughness, preparing the material for subsequent processes, such as painting, for example.

Shot peening and micropowder peening of stainless steel: features and benefits

Shot peening and micropowder peening are two treatments that are practically identical, differing primarily in the size of the spheres used in the process. Micropowder peening, in particular, is recommended for the processing of high-quality and delicate components.

Depending on the desired finish, the abrasive material of the spheres (such as ceramic, glass, stainless steel) and their size can be selected to recreate a uniform, matte, non-reflective, and highly homogeneous surface.

The shot peening or micropowder peening process is, therefore, recommended for:

• increasing the durability of the material;
• improving the strength of stainless steel after processing;
• uniformizing the surface;
• eliminating oxidation, welding traces, and imperfections.

Satin finishing of stainless steel: What is its purpose?

Satin finishing, on the other hand, is a treatment primarily focused on the aesthetic aspect of a stainless steel product. In this case as well, the process occurs on the material’s surface to be worked on, but it involves the use of abrasive belts to eliminate imperfections and scratches. Moreover, the belts can have different grains and formats depending on the desired result.

The satin finishing process is delicate and rather complex: 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 welding).

The advantages of satin finishing can be summarized as follows:

• Eliminates imperfections resulting from stainless steel processing (such as burrs, oxidation, and scratches).
• Gives the metal a matt appearance, making it aesthetically more appealing.
• Removes the reflection on the surface, making it opaque (useful in certain markets, such as the food and packaging industry, for example).
• Prepares stainless steel for further surface treatments or coatings.

Why consider shot-peened steel?

As we have seen, satin finishing and shot peening are two crucial surface treatments for stainless steel, especially for those involved in complex assemblies. Each treatment has its own characteristics that should be considered based on the ultimate goal and the target market.

Shot-peened steel is more durable because shot peening, as we’ve discussed, increases its robustness, in addition to improving its aesthetics. Therefore, this can be a process to consider not only for enhancing the product’s appearance but also to prepare it well for subsequent processing stages and enhance its durability over time.

Upon request, at Metal’s, we carry out shot peening treatments on stainless steel using glass or ceramic microspheres. This material, in particular, allows us to work on the product’s aesthetics while simultaneously enhancing the hardness and resistance of the material.

Of course, to achieve the desired result, factors such as the hardness of the material used for the spheres, their size, the speed, flow, and intensity of the jet must be taken into consideration.

Do you want to know more?

Discover the best stainless steel surface treatments for your project. Rely on our professionals and evaluate the benefits you can achieve in your processes.

At Metal’s we manufacture stainless steel assemblies, semi-finished products, parts and components in agreed quantities, managing the entire process: from orders to delivery. We can handle all kinds of projects, especially the most complex and challenging ones, following every step of the logistical and production process.

Our goal is to deliver the required products to our customers, respecting the quality and technical prerogatives agreed during the design phase. We operate in different markets, adapting design and functionality to their characteristics, and following the entire product realization process. Whenever possible, we recommend improved options to reduce production costs without affecting the quality of the materials used or delivery times.

Reducing production costs while meeting market demands: a Metal’s case history

The feasibility of a project and the application of possible improvements in economic and technical terms are assessed by our technical department. This analysis usually takes place at an early stage of the process but can be requested by the customer at a later stage, when production has already started. As happened, for example, with a major customer in the Food & Beverage sector.

The case and the request in brief: cutting costs without affecting quality and aesthetics

A company operating in the Food & Beverage sector entrusted us with the manufacture of beverage vending machines: products that we supply to our customer ready for shipment to their end customer, packaged and placed on the pallet, equipped with a welded painted steel frame, display, plastic accessories, wheels and stickers.

The request: to find a solution that would allow us to reduce product production costs without affecting quality and aesthetics, while ensuring compliance with the specifications necessary to produce distributors in line with the needs of the various markets. A common request among our customers, who often contact us to produce the product while optimizing production costs.

It is a different challenge for every project. Each one requires a specific and customized solution. In this case, for example, the beverage dispenser had to have a very large display, refrigerator and boiler, because it was intended for the Middle Eastern market.

Our proposal: a new fastening system combined with new folds

The technical team that followed the initial stages of study and design suggested:

• to change the fastening systems, shifting from welding to riveting (a technique that maintains the same solidity and rigidity, at lower costs);
• implement special bends to allow specific fastenings;
• consider the industrialization of the process by creating dedicated molds to produce the parts and using robotics during the brushing phase.

More design solutions to choose from

The proposals put forth by our technical department were aimed at cost reduction. Suggestions were then evaluated by the customer, who took them into consideration for his final choice. Our task, in fact, is to develop the project in accordance with the requirements agreed with those who rely on us. It is always the client who identifies which among the suggested options is most suitable for their objectives.

Analysis and testing to achieve the best possible result

At Metal’s, the technical department is involved from the early stages of the process. In particular, it assesses the technical feasibility of the project and the costs, then creates prototypes to be tested before starting production.

What happens when you involve the technical department in a project that has already started, as in the case illustrated in this article? Just as if it were a new job. The department explores possible alternatives to fulfil the client’s requirements. It examines and tests various options, outlining the advantages of each proposal and presenting the client only those renderings that can enhance the project.

For example, when making beverage dispensers for Middle Eastern countries, our engineering department considered the particular functionalities of the product, evaluating different alternatives to reduce costs while meeting the demands of the target market and the quality of the components.

This has been an interesting challenge for our team: being a complex assembly, every decision made could also affect other elements, starting from the aesthetics:

“When the customer asked us if it was possible to reduce product costs without interfering with the aesthetics and quality of the components, the engineering department took back the initial project to evaluate possible solutions. It was an interesting challenge since these particular beverage vending machines were designed for the Middle Eastern market. In this model, in fact, both a refrigerator and a coffee boiler have been installed, along with a larger display compared to traditional ones. All components that – if modified – could affect both costs and aesthetics of the product. The technical department therefore made several proposals, creating a prototype for the customer to physically test the functionalities of the new version of the product and evaluate any modifications”. – Luca Regazzo, Technical Sales Manager.

From design to delivery: entrust everything to us

When the customer positively evaluated the prototype, our technical department gave the green light for production. The product was then tested to ensure it met all standards before being delivered and placed on the target market.

At Metal’s, we follow every phase of the process – we have already talked about how we work in a dedicated article – and, if required, we can assemble the various components to provide a finished product ready for use. Thanks to a state-of-the-art machine park, in operation 24 hours a day, we ensure continuous production and delivery of products on time.

We can also handle logistics. If the product is complete and requires no further finishing, you can entrust the shipment to us and we will ensure that your batches arrive at their destination. As far as packaging is concerned, all specifications are agreed upon in advance with the customer and customized to ensure that the product is delivered without damage and designed to optimize transport.

A single partner for the most complex projects

The case study discussed in this article is just one of many examples of how we work every day to meet our customers’ demands. Rely on Metal’s for your productions.

When our sales department receives an order for the production of a complex assembly, the Metal’s machine is set in motion to meet the demands and timelines agreed with our customers.

How does this process work, which parties are actively involved and what are the benefits for those who turn to us?

From the raw materials purchase – in particular stainless steel – to order and delivery management, those who decide to use Metal’s services can interface with a single partner that verticalizes complex and specialized supply chains.

In this article we will explain in detail how we procure raw materials, how we classify them before production and what technologies are involved in the entire process, allowing us to achieve the complex assemblies designed for and with our customers, on time.

Material procurement: stainless steel

In a previous article, we saw how we work at Metal’s and how our production process develops. In this in-depth look, we will focus on the material procurement phase, which – in our case – corresponds mainly to the purchase of stainless steel.

The main types of stainless steel we use are:

• AISI 304: the percentage of chrome (between 18 and 20%) and nickel (between 8 and 11%) makes it a valuable material, highly resistant to corrosion, but also easy to machine. Recommended for products for food preservation and the chemical industry.
• AISI 430: ferritic type, this stainless steel is resistant to high temperatures. It can be used in the food industry.
• AISI 316: a standard stainless steel composed of a variable percentage of chromium (between 16% and 18%), nickel (between 11% and 14%) and molybdenum (between 2% and 3%). With its high corrosion resistance, it can be used in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.

The material is purchased from the most important European steel mills that can supply flattened sheets already cut to a specific, standard or customised format. Of course, we can also obtain other types of stainless steel according to our customers’ needs.

Precise orders and careful checks upon receipt of the goods

Once we have determined with the customer the most suitable type of stainless steel for a complex assembly in an advanced state of assembly, we enter the order into our management system and send it to the supplier.

The order is complete with drawings, all specifications and accompanied by a technical supply specification, i.e. a detailed document in which we specify to our supplier the requirements of the material, both technical (such as dimensions and thickness) and aesthetic (such as finish, roughness). In this document we also indicate the choice of packaging. This is a crucial detail because all our plants are equipped with automatic loading systems and an incorrect assessment can slow down production.

Upon receipt of the material, warehouse staff check the suitability and accompanying documentation, verifying the accuracy of the information given and consistency with the product ordered.

It should be noted that a 3.1 certificate (as required by EN 10204) identifying the casting origin of the material is always attached to each delivery. This document contains all the chemical characteristics of the stainless steel and is essential for the verification phase and its processing.

If everything complies, the material is labelled and placed in the warehouse, ready to be used.

The importance of labelling

The labelling of the raw material is crucial because the unique code identifies both the supplier’s lot and our finished product. This makes it possible to trace the material at all times, even after the complex assembly has been delivered to our customers.

This is an added value for those who rely on Metal’s because, in the event of non-conformity reports or requests for specifications such as the traceability of products destined for the medical sector, for example, we can trace the raw material that was used in the production of each item at any time.

With the advanced management system, every flow is always under control

At Metal’s we use the best technology for order and production flow management. We have already anticipated that the order sending to suppliers is done through a management system. This allows us to speed up the automatic procurement of material and share important documents such as drawings, checklists, and specifications.

In fact, our ERP management system is connected to all areas of Metal’s, from administration to warehousing, and in real time can return an exact snapshot of stocks and material usage for each specific project. Thanks to an advanced functionality (i.e. the MRP algorithm), the management system analyses the requirements of sales orders and generates purchase or production requests.

Depending on the type of article and the agreements with the customer, the articles are automatically ordered by the system so as not to slow down production and anticipate hypothetical shortages of raw materials. Obviously, all articles are managed with different procurement policies and stocks, production batches and lead times are entered manually to guarantee agreed deliveries.

In addition, to ensure quick responses to market demands, at Metal’s we use the inventory management system known as consignment stock. This means that within our warehouses, in agreement with our suppliers, we keep a certain quantity of stainless steel that we will only use when needed. The advantage? Always having a stock of raw material, for a smooth workflow.

An integrated and shared system

At Metal’s we have chosen ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software that respects the Industry 4.0 production paradigm and is always interconnected with our state-of-the-art machinery.

The ERP is natively integrated with all MES (for production management) WMS (for logistics) and TQM (dedicated to quality control). In this way, information is usable and easy to monitor in real time and at all company levels.

In detail:

• MES (Manufacturing Execution System) returns the progress of production orders, records timings in real time and shares all the required documentation.
• WMS (Warehouse Management System) enables timely management of materials by determining the location of items within the company and inventories.
• TQM (Total Quality Management) analyses any process drifts in real time and ensures that pre-set PPMs are achieved.

What happens when the order includes materials other than stainless steel?

For some customers we produce complex assemblies involving the assembly of steel with other materials. For the procurement of the materials, we can follow two solutions:

• rely on our Italian and international suppliers;
• contacting trusted partners suggested by our customers.

In the first case, we can request a quotation and obtain the necessary components at a favourable price and/or with better delivery conditions. If these conditions satisfy our customers, then we can proceed with the order.

Of course – at the customer’s request – we can intervene at any time. For example, during the production phase to optimise costs without sacrificing product quality or, in an emergency, when a component has to be replaced or is no longer commercially available.

In a fast-moving and ever-changing market, being able to count on a single point of contact for supply – technically prepared and able to adapt to ever-changing requirements – is a crucial competitive advantage.

Outsourcing management is also digital

Finally, we have activated a SCC portal to manage the outsourced supply chain in an integrated manner for activities involving the support of external suppliers. In this way, orders generated by the management system are conveyed to the portal, which is always within reach of the supplier.

A tool easy to manage and consult, in which: 

• orders are recorded (including drawings and all relevant information); 
• you can find out the production progress; 
• it is possible to generate the labels required for the delivery and identification of goods. 

In this way, communication is reduced to a minimum, avoiding dispersion of information and optimising production schedules.

Would you like to know more?

The manufacture of complex stainless steel assemblies involves the purchase of raw materials as well as their processing. Find out how we manage the entire process without delays and what advantages you can gain by choosing Metal’s as your single point of contact.

Steel brushing is a very popular finish for semi-finished products and complex assemblies. It is performed after other processes (such as bending and welding) to eliminate inaccuracies and to make the stainless steel more homogenous, smooth to the touch and opaque.

Its function is aesthetic, but also hygienic: brushing makes the surface easier to clean and suitable for use in the food and medical sectors.

In this article, we will describe how the brushing process takes place, its advantages and the effect on the appearance of the final product.

Features and benefits of steel brushing

Brushing is a precision operation that eliminates irregularities on stainless steel surfaces.

It is generally carried out in the last stages of the production process to remove small defects or “smooth” the metal, giving it a matt and less shiny appearance.

In particular, it is useful to:

• make the surface smooth and homogenous, eliminating irregularities;

• cover metal surface defects;

• eliminate shiny effects.

Usually, it is performed using specific tools and machinery – manual or automated – that, thanks to the combination of abrasive brushes with variable grain size and wax-like substances, enable stainless steel to be worked to eliminate superficial defects in the metal or residues from previous processes.

To be carried out to perfection, brushing must be light. Abrasive brushes, in fact, must act gently on the metal to structure the surface, without removing or damaging its layers.

A very precise operation that is usually carried out with state-of-the-art equipment. In particular, when they are robotised, they are “instructed” and configured with the right specifications by skilled workers to complete the assembly or semi-finished product with the finish agreed with the customer.

The equipment plays an important role in this phase, as does the degree of preparation of the workers specialized in the stainless steel processing. 

For this reason, Metal’s fleet will soon be expanded with new equipment and, at the same time, we will invest in employees training. In particular, we will have 9 brushing booths, 6 of which are manual systems and 3 robotic systems, to speed up the production process and guarantee the finishing of semi-finished products and complex assemblies within the agreed times.

Does brushing increase steel strength?

Stainless steel boasts several properties including deformability, hardness, ease of cleaning, thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Choosing brushing as a finish not only increases the metal’s strength but also offers other interesting advantages.

This particular finish, in fact, is useful for other purposes. As we have already mentioned, on an aesthetic level it eliminates imperfections, even those that may occur during machining. At Metal’s, for example, we choose the raw material in accordance with our customers’ needs both in terms of aesthetic requirements and technical specifications.

However, during the production process, small porosities and micro-cracks can be created in the material, especially during welding, laser cutting or punching phases. In this case, brushing the steel allows not only to eliminate residues of previous processing (such as dark spots accumulated during welding, for example) but also to level the metal, making it smooth to touch again and without imperfections.

Futhermore, this finishing is required by companies operating in the medical and food industries because it is able to remove all pores from stainless steel, guaranteeing greater hygienic safety. Micro-cracks can harbour bacteria, which are not particularly welcome in these areas, which must be aseptic and easy to clean.

Stainless steel, in fact, is the only material suitable for coming into contact with food. Moreover, thanks to its high resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures, it is one of the most widely used materials in the medical sector.

In order to maintain these valuable characteristics, however, stainless steel must always be perfect. Brushing, therefore, is an important finish because it can ensure a low roughness to the metal (about 0.8 microns), smoothen the surface and prevent contamination.

Where should brushing be used?

To summarise, brushing can be applied in all areas and on all products, but it is especially recommended in the food and medical fields to produce semi-finished products and complex stainless steel assemblies that are safe, easy to sanitise and without the risk of contamination.

On an aesthetic level, for example, it can be useful to eliminate any imperfections from the surfaces of semi-finished products and components that require high aesthetic characteristics such as for professional kitchens, machines, for bakery or professional cafeterias.

The finishing can also be applied to switchboards, control cabinets and other specific equipment for industrial use.

Finally, it can be used for the finishing refrigerators, food processing machines, meat processing machines, bottling machines and other appliances for the catering or large-scale distribution, ensuring product durability and easy maintenance.

Brushed steel maintenance and cleaning

Cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining brushed steel is very simple and fast.

In order not to damage the material, while preserving aesthetics and resistance over time, it is advisable to use a soft cloth and specific detergents for stainless steel, especially when the finished products are used in the HORECA, medical or industrial sector. Even ethyl alcohol, to be sprayed on the surface and immediately removed with a dry cloth, also guarantees cleanliness and shine.

In addition, you should not use:

• abrasive sponges and metal sponges, which can cause surface scratches;

• bleach and chlorine-based detergents, which reduce the resistance of steel.

By following these steps, steel will retain its characteristics for a long time and will not be damaged.

Do you want to know more?

What are the benefits of brushing? Trust Metal’s, find out what this finish consists of and what benefits it could bring to your project.

At Metal’s we can handle the entire production process, to realise stainless steel assemblies, semi-finished products, parts and components in the quantities and with the characteristics you need. We love challenges and this is why we can realise even the most complex projects.

Ours is a path that, from consultancy to production, goes through multiple stages to offer our customers the desired product, within the agreed timeframe and according to the planned investment, often offering improvement solutions that reduce costs even once the product is in operation.

Reducing production and maintenance costs: a Metal’s case history

Our technical department assesses the feasibility of the entire job, proposing sustainable or alternative solutions to improve the initial project and optimise it, with important benefits, both technical and economic. This was the case, for example, of a major Food Processing customer. 

The case and request in brief: reducing the production costs of a complete assembly with all components

A customer in the food processing sector entrusted us with the production of suction elements for ovens, with one aim: to reduce costs by managing the entire production in Metal’s. A challenge we accepted with enthusiasm because making products of this type means not only machining stainless steel, but also finding improved solutions to produce a complete assembly of all the components necessary for its operation, including wiring, junction boxes, fans, exhaust pipes and condensation units.

Our proposal: streamlining the project to optimise production and maintenance costs

In order to reduce costs, our technical department has considered every variable to intervene on, including components already produced, stock residues and open orders. Then, thanks to timely and active discussions with the customer, they designed a solution that not only met the required criteria, but also allowed an optimization of post-production costs.

In fact, our engineers have proposed the construction of grooves to drain water more efficiently and reduce the number of welds, while providing an interlocking system for the fans to facilitate the replacement of the component in case of repair. Suction elements designed in this way are easier to assemble, clean and maintain.

Reliability even in emergency conditions

At Metal’s we are the single point of contact for each project, which means that our customers can also rely on us for materials and components procurement, and not only for design development, production and delivery. We are at their side in everyday life and also in emergencies.

This was the case, for example, when, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the same Food Processing customer suddenly found itself without fans, an essential component, necessary for the operation of the suction elements, because its trusted supplier was not operational due to restrictive measures to contain the virus. In a short time, we looked for a new company that could meet the quality and cost requirements, guaranteeing supply and avoiding a production stop.

“Due to the pandemic, the supplier suggested by our customer, could not supply an essential component to put the suction units into operation, so we immediately dedicated ourselves to looking for an alternative product that guaranteed identical performance and sustainable costs. It wasn’t easy but we finally identified a European supplier. We asked to receive a sample to test it. Having assessed the quality of the component, we were able to proceed with production. Today, the supplier we identified during the emergency collaborates with us and with our customer for the construction of the suction units”. – Michele Perin, Purchasing Manager

Consultancy at the beginning of the project

At Metal’s, consultancy is an essential service that allows us to evaluate, together with the customer, the different paths to take in order to achieve the agreed end goal.

Usually this discussion takes place at the beginning of the collaboration (i.e. before starting the entire production process), but dialogue with customers is constant and can take place at any time.

It may happen, in fact, that changes are required to speed up the production process or reduce prices, while maintaining the same quality of semi-finished products or complex assemblies.

It also happens that some emergency situations have to be faced, such as the difficult availability of a component. Critical situations that could compromise delivery times or change the final price of the product, but which – thanks to timely and targeted intervention, the result of in-depth knowledge of the field and the reference market – can be contained.

At Metal’s, in fact, we can deal with the unexpected, delivering the desired product within the agreed times and prices.

To do this, we draw on the experience of a team of technicians, engineers and specialised workers who, after careful study, evaluate and suggest new options to meet customers’ demands.

From approval to product realisation

Once we have outlined the path to be taken together with the customer, we always make a prototype before starting up the series production.

This – especially in the case of changes of the initial project – allows us to carry out further checks, to test usability, solidity and verify, together with the customer, if every request made has been satisfied.

To manufacture the products, we make use of a fleet of state-of-the-art machines, active 24 hours a day. This allows us to meet agreed deadlines and avoid delays. Furthermore, production is constantly supervised by our technicians and the products must pass suitability tests before each delivery. This scrupulous and careful process allows us to deliver assemblies, machine parts, semi-finished products and components of the highest quality.

A single partner for the most complex projects

At Metal’s we can simplify any complex project and find effective solutions even in times of crisis. In this case study, we have illustrated an example of what we can do for you, even if the unexpected happens.

Stainless steel is a sustainable material with important characteristics that can be used in various sectors and applications. Invented in the 19th century by the British metallurgical engineer Harry Brearley, stainless steel is composed mainly of iron, carbon and chromium, which can be combined with other alloys to increase its strength and expand its possible uses.

A material that does not oxidise and, above all, respects the environment. In what way can stainless steel be considered sustainable? What are its advantages – in terms of eco-sustainability – and how is it recycled? In this article we will answer all these questions.

Why stainless steel is sustainable?

Stainless steel is an easy-to-work material with a number of characteristics that help make it a sustainable metal:

• resists to high temperatures and temperature fluctuations;
• it does not get damaged easily;
• it needs little maintenance;
• it is durable;
• it does not corrode.

Thanks to these special features, stainless steel is able to extend its life cycle and, unlike other materials, does not need to be replaced before its time. A considerable advantage because, by choosing stainless steel, you contribute to the reduction of waste and its disposal.

Not only that. Stainless steel has a low environmental impact: once produced, it causes no more polluting emissions and no more disposal and regeneration problems.

Choosing, therefore, stainless steel for your production allows you to make excellent, easy-to-clean and long-lasting products that respect the planet. Because of its many characteristics, it is used in numerous sectors, from food to medical.

Recycling steel: a permanent material that can be reused

Stainless steel is a long-lasting material; one of the strongest and most durable in the world. This is due to the high percentage of chromium contained in its composition which, in contact with oxygen, creates a transparent film that increases the ability of this metal to resist wear, time and oxidation.

Obviously, it is difficult to quantify the exact durability of stainless steel with a precise figure (even if we are talking about decades), because a lot depends on how it is used, the type of stainless steel chosen and any maintenance. What can be said with certainty, however, is that stainless steel is a durable and circular material, whose components always retain their original properties and are suitable to almost infinite reuse and regeneration.

As defined by the cultural organisation Fondazione Promozione Acciaio, stainless steel ‘is a permanent, 100% recyclable material for multiple cycles without loss of properties’, i.e. a durable metal that, unlike many others, ‘can be remelted over and over again without ever losing any of its intrinsic properties such as strength, ductility, formability, which make it irreplaceable in multiple applications’. All the metal bonds in the material’s recycling stages are restored during the resolidification process, maintaining its qualities.

Thus, at the end of their life cycle, items made of stainless steel can be dismantled, recovered or added to any scrap, to be recycled and live a new life in form of sheets, bars, tubes and other products.

Steel recycling and disposal

As we have seen, stainless steel can be recycled numerous times, without ever losing its properties. Recycling of the industrial material, as Confindustria points out in its Circular Economy magazine, is easy to be done.

Once its life cycle is over, steel is taken to the foundry where the scrap is cleaned and melted to take on a new function. From recycled steel, in fact, semi-finished products can be obtained that are useful for making, for example, vehicle components, machinery, household appliances and building materials.

This virtuous cycle brings numerous benefits to the planet also because the continuous recycling of steel avoids the use of new raw material. Just think that in Italy in the year 2021 as many as 450 thousand tonnes of raw material were saved, 6,625 TJ of primary energy and as many as 539 tonnes of CO2 were avoided. All data confirmed by Ricrea (National Consortium for Recycling and Recovery of Steel Packaging) reports.

Moreover, if we consider all steel – not only stainless steel -, as far as recycling is concerned, Italy is certainly one of the most virtuous European countries. According to data released by Ricrea, the percentage of recycled steel in Italy reaches a good 82%, thus exceeding the target set by the European Commission of 70% of steel in urban waste and 80% in packaging by 2030. This unlimited recycling leads not only to savings in raw materials and energy, but also to an important reduction of waste otherwise destined to dump.

Respecting the planet is also a priority for us. That is why, at Metal’s, we have chosen to process a highly sustainable material, using hybrid, energy-saving, low environmental impact plants, which allow us to optimise production, reduce consumption by maintaining the quality of our work.

Want to know more?

Choose stainless steel for your production: discover all the advantages of this material: rely on Metal’s to realise your projects.

Stainless steel is one of the most used materials in the food and medical sector because it offers numerous advantages and avoids the risk of contamination. Composed mainly of iron and chromium, combined with other alloys in different quantities, stainless steel is long-lasting, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean and maintain. Let’s take a closer look at its advantages, why and when it is most recommended.

Characteristics and properties of stainless steel

There are different types of steel on the market, varying according to the presence – or not – of phosphorus, silicon, boron, vanadium, manganese, sulphur… What distinguishes stainless steel from ordinary steel is its composition, which also includes chromium.

When the percentage of this chemical element exceeds 10.5%, in fact, a protective oxide layer is created which preserves the surface of the metal from any chemical agents, as well as humidity and salinity. The process that causes the formation of this thin and transparent passive film is known as passivation, a reaction that is activated when the metal comes into contact with oxygen.

Stainless steel, therefore, is a very tough alloy with important properties such as, for example, ease of processing, also using laser technologies: processes that create indispensable products for various markets, from the chemical to the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The main characteristics of stainless steel include:

• lightness;
• shine and brilliance;
• heat and corrosion resistance;
• low maintenance;
• ease of cleaning;
• high bacterial removability.

In addition, stainless steel does not need protective coatings.

Stainless steel applications in the food and medical sector

Being a biologically neutral material, stainless steel does not change the colour, smell or taste of the foods or substances it comes into contact with. In addition, its smooth, non-porous surface is antibacterial and very easy to clean, making it perfect for storage, as well as for preserving food and substances used in medical and cosmetic applications, removing the risk of contamination.

Stainless steel in the food processing sector

Stainless steel can be used to manufacture machinery, products and assemblies that involve contact with food. As a matter of fact, stainless steel is the only material suitable for coming into contact with food and can be used in numerous processes for both the domestic and industrial sectors. For example, at Metal’s we can produce and assemble semi-finished products and components such as:

• accessories for large kitchens (including pasta cookers, frames, braising pans, oven chambers, oven doors assembled with glass and other materials, stainless steel furniture, roasters, fryers and hobs);
• accessories for the ice cream sector;
• parts of machinery for professional cafeterias and vending machines;
• meat processing systems;
• bakery and oven accessories (such as pizza presses, oven chambers, oven doors);
• standard and industrial dishwashers;
• refrigerators and other refrigeration products.

On the other hand, in the market for complex assemblies and machine parts, we mainly manufacture equipment that comes into contact with food (such as mincers, meat processing machines, slicers, homogenisers, liquid and solid separators); bottling machinery, as well as food and beverage processing and packaging.

Stainless steel applications in the medical sector

Just like the food industry, the pharma sector requires special care and stainless steel is recommended for various productions because it resists:

• to corrosion, a quality that removes the risk of contamination, even in the case of products with volatile particles;
• to extreme temperatures, which in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors are often extremely low (due to cryogenesis).

At Metal’s, for example, we produce and assemble semi-finished products, machine parts or complex assemblies, including X-ray equipment in painted steel. Professional equipment such as washing tank units used in hospital and private facilities, which we also complete with galvanic or electrochemical treatments to further increase their strength.

A safe manufacturing process

As we have seen, stainless steel can be used in many sectors. At Metal’s we can carry out all kinds of processing, also thanks to an up-to-date, state-of-the-art machines fleet. The examples we have mentioned represent only a part of what we can achieve: we are always open to new challenges. Every time we receive a project, our technical staff evaluates its feasibility, suggesting the best solution that meets all the objectives, both in terms of cost and quality indicated by the customer.

In the production phase, we also pay particular attention to the quality of the product from an aesthetic point of view because many of our complex, semi-finished assemblies are exposed to the public (this is the case, for example, of professional coffee machines and vending machines for large-scale distribution).

An important clarification. At Metal’s we have decided to process only stainless steel to avoid contamination by other types of metal. In this way, all machines, equipment and environments are not contaminated by the processing of other metals and we can offer safe products for the medical and food markets. As regards, then, orders that involve the combination and assembly with materials other than stainless steel, we have chosen to handle separate processing environments: a precaution that prevents metal from being compromised.

Do you want to know more?

Is your company in the food processing or medical sector? Rely on Metal’s to realise your projects. We will follow you in all stages: from consulting through production to delivery.

Stainless steel processing is only one of the steps in our production process. In fact, at Metal’s, we are committed to providing a complete service to our customers, starting with technical advice and ending with delivery. We have already talked about this in the article on how we work. But how is a project developed, concretely? And how do we approach a project? We talk about it in this article, where we illustrate a real case.

Optimising costs, production and processing: a Metal’s case history

At Metal’s, each project is developed together with the customer to achieve the set objectives and suggest different options to optimise production, cost and time.

In particular, in the case we describe in this article, we have decided to explain even better how we work for the companies that rely on us, starting from a typical request that we often receive from our customers: costs optimisation.

The case and the request: optimising costs without compromising aesthetics, functionality and robustness

An important customer in the Food Processing sector commissioned us to develop bakery cabinet systems for bakeries, shopping centres and supermarkets. The objective: to optimise production costs without modifying the aesthetics of the product, its functionality and its performance, both in terms of rigidity and stability, two essential features to facilitate the movement of the cabinets on wheels, even in the presence of height differences.

Our proposal: already assembled cabinet systems with a strong and light structure

In this case, we proposed to realise the cabinet systems using special cutting and bending processes, which allowed us to obtain an already assembled stainless steel semi-finished product, almost identical to the cabinets previously produced for our customer, with a structure both strong and light, and ready to use. The solution we found to achieve this result and contain costs included also the study of a type of interlocking and fixing system that took into account different thicknesses and materials.

The importance of the test phase: a prototype to be tested on site

Our technical department studied the possible alternatives and proposed to the customer the rendering of a new design compatible with his initial requirements.

Furthermore, to verify that the product met the agreed requirements of aesthetics, functionality and stability, we made a sample and sent it to the customer to allow him to test it and simulate different loads under real conditions.

“When they asked us if it was possible to reduce product costs while maintaining the same aesthetics, quality and functionality, we set our technical department to find the best solution to their request. Once we took over the customer’s initial design, we had already optimised in the first production phase, we developed it further. Then we created a prototype of the cabinet system, so that the customer could test it and verify the versatility and rigidity of the product, as well as the possible presence of deformations and defects to be corrected.” – Luca Regazzo, Technical Sales Manager

On the road to production: from prototype to the realization, up to the final testing

Once we had successfully completed the tests and verified that the prototype met the requirements – in this case, versatility, robustness, aesthetics and cost reduction -, we entered into the heart of the production cycle and the actual realisation of the cabinet system, which was subsequently marketed on the market of reference.

Production is a phase in which we are even more careful and rigorous in making sure that project standards are met, without exceeding delivery times. In fact, thanks to our state-of-the-art machinery in operation every day, 24 hours a day, we can deliver the product on time.

“Each processing cycle of the cabinet system, including production and finishing, was always followed by our technical experts to achieve the goals shared with the customer. Furthermore, once we finished the product, we performed a strict quality control to test the suitability of it. This was possible because, beforehand, we developed the project to take into account the subsequent steps. In fact, we work in synergy – between Metal’s departments and with the customer – and our work always starts with a customer’s drawing, optimised and developed by our technical department according to the customer’s requirements. The realisation of several renderings then allows us to get closer to the shared objectives, but it is with the realisation of a prototype that we can understand if there is still a need to act to improve the design. After testing the sample, the production department comes into play, where every step is carried out with precision, speed and punctuality. This allows us to meet the agreed deadlines and achieve the high standards required, thus ensuring our customers a perfect product.” – Nicola Borella, Plant Manager

A single partner for the most complex projects

The case study described in this article is just one of the many examples of how Metal’s works every day both as a supplier and as a true partner to companies in various sectors. Find out what we can do for you. Rely on Metal’s for your productions.