Sheet metal finishing is a crucial aspect of the manufacturing process that transforms raw metal sheets into high-quality products with impeccable surface finishes. The process of metal surface finishing involves various techniques and technologies designed to enhance both the appearance and functionality of sheet metal components of various types of metals.

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Non-directional finishing with the rotary brush machines
Finishing with abrasive belt and Scotch-Brite belt
Hairline, Duplo, Microlon or brushed finishes
No. 3 or no. 4 finishing with abrasive belts from grit 120, 180 to even 240 and 320

The perfect surface finish on sheet metal with a Timesavers

Timesavers offers machines for every type of finish. From the Manual Grinder to the rotary brush machines, to the 81 series; all Timesavers machines have their unique finish capabilities. The finishes can be applied to a variety of materials depending on the machine.

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Stainless steel

Do you mostly process stainless steel? And do want to know more about stainless sheet metal finishes? Stainless steel finishing is an essential step in the processing of this high-quality metal to ensure flawless surfaces and the highest precision.

Aluminium

Do you need to finish aluminium? Find out more about finishing aluminium. Aluminium finishing can be challenging. Thin sheets of aluminium are harder to finish, since it get heated quite easily.

Steel

Do you produce flat steel products? Find out more about finishing steel. So what about creating a steel surface finish? Well, does that even exist? A mill finish on steel is actually no more than a pre-treatment for coating or painting.

Copper

Do you laser cut sheets to make flat copper parts? Find out more about finishing copper. A copper surface is in need of a finish to optimise the appearance and performance.

All you need to know about surface roughness (Ra)

All you need to know about surface roughness (Ra)

When working in metal finishing industries, you have most certainly heard about surface roughness. It measures the irregularities on metal surfaces. Now what measurements are there? And why is it important?

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Finishing of sheet metal parts

There are several finishing techniques to get the perfect sheet metal finish that meets your needs. There is a wide range of finishes for stainless steels, such as the common 2D finish or a 2BA (Bright Annealed) finish that is made by brushes or a no. 5 with a Scotch-Brite belt. The deburring machines can be equipped with a Scotch-Brite belt, to add a finish to the deburred products. When a non-directional finish is preferred, the rotary brushes are recommended.

 

Finishing of sheets

Every machine from Timesavers is able to produce a nice sheet metal surface finish on products. However, Timesavers has also designed three machines that are the ultimate solution for finishing sheet-to-sheet or coil-to-coil material.

62 series

62 series

This machine is the ideal solution for finishing of sheets that are produced by a cold rolling process. It ensures the best result for a stainless steel surface.

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71 series

71 series

A smooth surface can be achieved with this wet ‘coil-to-coil’ line. Both, cold and hot rolled sheets can be finished by this machine. Because of the wet process, it can even handle titanium, molybdenum and zirconium.

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72 series

72 series

This dry working machine produces a smooth finish on cold and hot rolled sheets. Depending on the type  of brush and belt in combination with the right settings, no. 3 or 4 finish can be achieved.

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Hairline adds to Rimex’s portfolio

As one of the world’s leading specialists in the production of metal sheet finishes, particularly stainless steel finishes, Enfield, Middlesex-based Rimex has constantly re-invented itself over its 60 year history. In doing so it has maintained a high profile across global markets for its range of polished, embossed and coloured stainless steel sheet products, ready for sheet metal fabrications. Rimex is capable of producing almost any finish, like hairline and even the highly reflective ones.

Read the full story of Rimex

What is the right solution for you?

By answering 5 simple questions, we lead you to the right machine for your application.

Timesavers tooling

Timesavers tooling

Different types of metal and applications require different tools to process. Timesavers has partnered up with 3M and Boeck to provide the highest quality tools to create the perfect surface finish sheet metal on all types of metal.

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Timesavers International: Your Partner in Metal finishing

 

Timesavers International is a leader in the sheet metal finishing industry, offering a wide range of solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our state-of-the-art machinery and expertise in metal finishing ensure that we can provide superior results in terms of metal surface finish, flat metal finishing, and sheet metal finish quality.

FAQ about finishing

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Why apply a finish on metal?

A finish on metal parts is aesthetically pleasing and can reduce the surface roughness. A smooth surface is hygienic and can be a requirement for products that are intended for the food industry and pharmacy.

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What finish should I apply?

Depending on the purpose of the product, a decision can be made for a (non-)directional finish that can go from dull to shiny to even highly mirrored.

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What finishing technique can be used for metal parts, metal plates or coils?

A finish applied with non-woven material or rotary brushes is often used for metal parts that only need a finish for aesthetic reasons. Metal plates and coils however, require often a low surface roughness (Ra) that can be obtained by using multiple abrasive belts.

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What types of metal finishes are there?

Number 0 Finish
the starting finish of hot rolled, tempered sheets.

Number 1 Finish
This is a dull and slightly rough surface, which is the starting finish on sheets of a hot rolled, tempered, etched and passivated process.

Number 2D Finish
This dull finish is superior to a No. 1 finish and is the starting finish on sheets of a cold rolled, tempered, etched and passivated process.

Number BD Finish
This is a glossy finish on sheets, due to a cold rolled, polished, tempered, etched and passivated process.

Number 2BA Finish
This is a mirror-like finish with some imperfections. BA stands for Bright Annealed, which is made in a controlled atmosphere.

Number 3 or 4 Finish
These finishes can be obtained with abrasive belts ranging from grit 120 or 180 to even 240 or 320. No. 3 is great for food processing equipment, while No. 4 is a little brighter and finer, often used for escalators, elevators and architectural buildings for example.

Number 5 Finish
A finish applied with non-woven abrasive.

Number 6 or 7 Finish
A finish of which the surface is processed with grinding compounds. With no. 7 there are additional cotton mops, which are polish compounds.

Number 8 Finish
A true mirror finish, produced on sheets with the use of discs. This process uses a mixture of abrasive compound and water to do the polishing.

Non-directional Finish
Products with this type of finish can be put in every possible direction.

Hairline Finish
This finish has a long, continuous straight lines parallel to the length of the sheet metal.

Duplo Finish
A duplo finish is a finish with combination of first abrasive belt and then Scotch-Brite brush.

Microlon Finish
Is a finish applied with Scotch-Brite brushes or even Scotch-Brite belts.

Powder coating Finish
This finish makes parts that are made during CNC machining processes resistant to corrosion and aesthetically pleasing. Although it is not recommended for smaller components and internal surfaces, it is suitable for military applications or industrial equipment.

Sandblasting Finish
This finish removes the top-layer of a part by highly pressurized sand, thus creating a uniform and smoother surface texture.